Members of the theater education group ReACT! perform scenes on campus
that aim to help prevent incidents of dating and domestic violence,
sexual assault and stalking. (Photo/Amanda Pitts)
Grand Valley receives grant to help prevent sexual assault
Dec 19, 2016
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."
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