Division News & Statements

Grand Valley receives grant to help prevent sexual assault

December 19, 2016

(This story originally appeared on GVNext)

Grand Valley State University has been awarded a grant from the State of Michigan to support sexual assault prevention programs.

The Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program (CSAGP), led by First Lady Sue Snyder, aims to change the overall culture of sexual assault among the college-age population. Grand Valley was awarded $33,454.

Jessica Jennrich, director of the Women's Center, said the grant will go toward developing a peer bystander training program to teach students about consent and how to engage in bystander intervention behavior. Peer educators will be trained by a model from the national program, Bringing in the Bystander.

"Research indicates that peer education is one of the most effective ways to deliver messages," Jennrich said. "While Grand Valley does discuss consent and bystander intervention with students, it is delivered by external agencies or professional staff. We do not currently offer a peer education program."

Victim Advocate Ashley Schulte, who is based in the Women's Center, and campus partners will also work with educators and staff members from Allendale Public Schools to show how bystander and consent education can be used in the classroom.

Eighteen community colleges and universities in Michigan were awarded a total of $506,191 in state grant funds. More than 29 applications were received.

"While response and reporting is vital to our efforts to eliminate sexual violence on college campuses, we must empower our students who are well-positioned to help lead the most effective prevention efforts," said Jennrich.

Participating in CSAGP is just one effort to reduce the number of sexual assaults at Grand Valley. The university received a VAWA grant in 2010, which was renewed in 2013, to fund initiatives such as the theater education group ReACT! and student organization Champions for Change. Sexual violence and consent training is provided for new faculty and staff members, and Grand Valley also participates in the national campaign "It's On Us."

For More Information Contact: Leah Twilley in University Communications - (616) 331-2221

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Page last modified December 19, 2016