southern leads coalition against violence

Mon., Oct 26

$500,000 Federal Grant to Bolster Efforts of Statewide Group

The university is leading a new state coalition that includes nine universities committed to the prevention of violence against women, thanks to a 3-year, $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The schools, in partnership with two state service organizations, are forming the Connecticut Campus Coalition to End Violence Against Women (CCCEV). The coalition members plan to join forces in an effort to reduce the incidence of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on their campuses. They also plan to use the federal funding to enhance sexual assault awareness and prevention programs, provide training for staff, create a unified network of support for victims of violence and bolster efforts to hold perpetrators accountable through school discipline and criminal prosecution.

"Tragically, violence against women poses serious threats to the health and safety of college and university communities across the nation," says Ronald D. Herron, vice president for student and university affairs (above, left).

"In fact, the national data shows that 32 percent of all college students report some form of dating violence and/or abuse with previous partners," Herron says. "It frequently diminishes the capacity of its victims to achieve their potential and dreams. This project distinctively harnesses the energies and expertise of five public and four private higher education institutions, as well as two state service organizations."

In addition to Southern, the CCCEV includes the three other Connecticut State University System campuses (Central, Eastern and Western Connecticut State universities), the University of Connecticut, Quinnipiac University, University of Bridgeport, University of Hartford and Trinity College. It also includes the Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services Inc. and the Connecticut Police Academy's Police Officers Standards and Training Council Post.

Southern has been designated as the lead agency in the grant, awarded by the U.S. Justice Department's Office on Violence Against Women. Each of the nine higher education institutions, as well as the Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services Inc., will receive part of the funds. The Connecticut Police Academy's Police Officers Standards and Training Council Post is donating its time to the project.

Catherine A. Christy, coordinator of Southern's Women's Center (above, right), says she is excited to work with her colleagues at the other institutions and that the collaboration will be a valuable tool in addressing the societal problem of violence against women.

"College campuses are good places to offer education and awareness programs because they can influence people in a positive way early in their lives," Christy says. "In turn, this creates a ripple effect with a long-term reduction of such violence in society." 

Christy says several specific initiatives are planned, including:

• a training conference, followed by a series of three Webinars, focusing on best practices involving law enforcement, campus judicial processes, prevention and response programs;
• additional training for judicial officers and campus law enforcement;
• the creation of a coalition Web site that would include resources and curricula related to the prevention of violence against women;
• a comprehensive survey of current practices at each institution;
• the development and implementation of anti-violence and awareness programs for first-year students.

She says the coalition will examine existing and potential programs for first-year students, ranging from in-class speakers to out-of-class activities.

Christy also notes that the various initiatives will be sensitive to the needs of all students, including minority, international and students with disabilities.