Skip to main content
Alumni homeAU News home
Story
7 of 10

Assumption Receives Recognition for Use of VAWA STOP Grant Funds

Assumption Receives Recognition for Use of VAWA STOP Grant Funds oe.boudreau Tue, 10/31/2023 - 13:53 Assumption University’s Department of Public Safety has been awarded funding from the Massachusetts Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) Formula Grant program to help develop and strengthen initiatives for the prevention of and response to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus. “We’re so grateful to grantees like Assumption University’s Police Department, who are using grant funds to staff a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Campus Advocate role, provide SA/DV training to resident assistants and train officers and dispatchers in trauma-informed response and investigations,” the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research said in its announcement. Since 2015, Assumption’s Department of Public Safety has partnered with Pathways for Change, Inc., a local organization dedicated to finding solutions to end sexual violence, to provide free and confidential support for those who have been impacted by sexual violence via a Campus Advocate program. Assumption’s Campus Advocate can be reached by survivors for assistance reporting violence, navigating Title IX requirements, and for general support during these difficult situations. The Campus Advocate is available year-round, 24/7, either via the Pathways for Change, Inc. hotline or the office on campus so that services may be provided whenever survivors are in need. “Domestic violence situations are usually very complex,” said Lieutenant Rebecca Gagne, the senior sexual assault investigator at Assumption University. “Our Campus Advocate program has ensured that domestic violence survivors have access to resource referrals that are responsive to their unique circumstances within a university setting.” possible-vawa-large.jpgA view of Assumption University's campus from above. General Olivia Boudreau

Oct. 31, 2023

Olivia Boudreau

A photo of the campus of Assumption University taken from a drone is shown.

A view of Assumption University's campus from above.

Assumption University’s Department of Public Safety has been awarded funding from the Massachusetts Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors (STOP) Formula Grant program to help develop and strengthen initiatives for the prevention of and response to incidents of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus. 

“We’re so grateful to grantees like Assumption University’s Police Department, who are using grant funds to staff a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Campus Advocate role, provide SA/DV training to resident assistants and train officers and dispatchers in trauma-informed response and investigations,” the Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research said in its announcement.

Since 2015, Assumption’s Department of Public Safety has partnered with Pathways for Change, Inc., a local organization dedicated to finding solutions to end sexual violence, to provide free and confidential support for those who have been impacted by sexual violence via a Campus Advocate program. Assumption’s Campus Advocate can be reached by survivors for assistance reporting violence, navigating Title IX requirements, and for general support during these difficult situations. The Campus Advocate is available year-round, 24/7, either via the Pathways for Change, Inc. hotline or the office on campus so that services may be provided whenever survivors are in need.

“Domestic violence situations are usually very complex,” said Lieutenant Rebecca Gagne, the senior sexual assault investigator at Assumption University. “Our Campus Advocate program has ensured that domestic violence survivors have access to resource referrals that are responsive to their unique circumstances within a university setting.”


Related News

President Greg Weiner Announces 2023 Presidential Award Winners

For the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Presidential Awards and Employee Appreciation Ceremony was held in the Tsotsis Family Academic Center Ballroom on November 16th. During the ceremony, four faculty and staff members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Assumption community.

Nov. 22, 2023

Spectrum Health Systems Unveils Scholarship Program with Assumption University

Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts, announced today its partnership with Assumption University to create a scholarship program for its employees to complete the university’s clinical counseling psychology master’s program.

Nov. 13, 2023

Latest AU News