Augustana College in Illinois has received a $400,000 grant to bolster its initiatives against domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus. This funding, sourced from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women, will enhance the college’s programs for peer education and bystander intervention training. Congressman Eric Sorensen praised the grant, emphasizing the necessity of safe learning environments for students. Assistant Dean Farrah Roberts highlighted the success of their Peer Educators program, which plays a crucial role in promoting safety and awareness among students, ensuring a supportive and inclusive campus atmosphere. This grant marks a significant step forward in fostering a secure environment, crucial for educational success.
“No student should ever feel unsafe on campus,” said Sorensen. “It is our responsibility to provide our colleges and universities with the tools they need to create a safe environment where our future leaders can learn. This important funding will allow Augustana College to access even more resources to develop peer education and bystander intervention trainings to keep every student safe from domestic violence and sexual assault. I look forward to working with our schools to deliver federal investments in the future that will ensure our campus communities can thrive.”
“We’re truly grateful to receive this continuation grant from the Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus Program,” said Farrah Roberts, Assistant Dean and Director of Student Well-Being at Augustana College. “This support helps us build on what we’ve already achieved, allowing us to enhance our trauma-informed education and support services. We’re dedicated to fostering a safer, more inclusive campus environment, and with this funding, we can continue to work together as a community to tackle these important issues and support our students. Our Peer Educators program, which is funded by the grant, has been incredibly successful by empowering a diverse group of students to lead Bystander Intervention education, each year, they reach hundreds of their peers, fostering a culture of awareness and support on our campus. Peers are given the opportunity, in a safe space, to brainstorm ways that they would intervene in various situations to create safety for one another.”