UVM Women’s Center Receives Major Federal Grant to Combat Violence Against Women
by Lynda Majarian

The Women’s Center at the University of Vermont has received a $294,324 grant to bring campus and community organizations together in advocacy and education concerning sexual assault. UVM was among only 20 institutions out of 120 applicants to receive the two-year funding, which requires colleges and universities to develop partnerships with off-campus, nonprofit victim advocacy organizations and to strengthen prevention programs on campus.

"The partnerships that will be forged between the campus and city community will prove invaluable to our efforts to combat violence against women on campus and in Burlington," said UVM President Judith Ramaley.

LuAnn Rolley, project coordinator, who co-wrote the proposal with Peg King, outgoing director of the Women’s Center, explained that "UVM will work closely with the Women's Rape Crisis Center and Women Helping Battered Women in developing education and training for students, staff and faculty."

Sharon Snow, the new Women’s Center director, will be responsible for directing the project and providing quarterly evaluation reports to the Department of Justice. Mary Canales, assistant professor in UVM’s School of Nursing, will oversee the evaluation component of the grant.

In keeping with the grant’s key requirements, the Women’s Center will create a campus-based advocacy program and develop an Interdisciplinary Coordinated Response Team comprised of campus and community organizations. The Women’s Center will serve as a confidential and safe place providing survivors with full information about their criminal justice and service options, including internal administrative proceedings.

A recent study funded by the Institute of Justice found that approximately one in 20 women are victims of rape, or attempted rape, on college campuses each year. But students are often hesitant to report these crimes. Rolley believes that the addition of a Victim Advocate at the Women’s Center will increase the likelihood of students reporting.

"The strength of this proposal is its collaborative approach to working on this complex issue," she explained. "In addition, focus groups will be held with ALANA students to discuss concerns around issues on violence against women. Each grant objective is designed to strengthen UVM's overall strategy to combat violence against women."

Partners with the Women’s Center on this project include the UVM Center for Health and Well-being, Student Health Promotions, Judicial Affairs, Police Services, CUSI, Athletics, Greek Life, University Training and Development and the ALANA Student Center.

For more information, contact Rolley at 656-2925.