Manchester receives $300,000 grant to strengthen sexual violence prevention, response

Manchester University President Dave McFadden announced today that the University has received a $300,000 grant to support efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, and enhance victim support.

This is the only such grant awarded to an Indiana institution this year by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. It is among 61 such grants given nationwide totaling $25 million.

 “We have many people on our campuses and in our communities who are dedicated to education, prevention and victim services, and this grant gives us the means to create intentional partnerships and coordinate their efforts,” McFadden said.

The three-year award allows Manchester to implement its CARE Initiative – Creating a Respectful Environment – for the North Manchester and Fort Wayne campuses. The plan is the result of a climate survey in January and dovetails with MU Title IX policies and procedures.

CARE will target three areas: 

• Education programs focusing on prevention and further promoting a respectful environment.
• Coordination among University officials, victim advocacy organizations and local law enforcement.
• Enhanced outreach to underserved populations on the MU campuses. 

The proposal calls for Manchester to partner with four victim services providers: Hands of Hope, the Beaman Home (Warsaw), the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center and Crime Victim Care. The police departments in North Manchester and Fort Wayne will also serve as external partners.

“As you know, our mission statement calls us to respect the infinite worth of every individual. Respecting the rights and well-being of all people is core to who we are,” McFadden said in the announcement to the MU community. “I’m proud that our CARE program will further strengthen our commitment to keeping all members of our community safe and whole, and promoting education about an issue that warrants thorough and thoughtful attention.”

The grant will fund a CARE coordinator for the duration of the award. The University will advertise soon for that position.

“Schools that individualize their response to sexual, dating and domestic violence are better able to meet the unique needs of their student populations, especially underserved groups,” said Bea Hanson, principal deputy director of the Office on Violence Against Women, in announcing this year’s grants.  “Coordinated, comprehensive responses allow college communities to develop sustainable strategies to address these crimes.”

About Manchester University
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training, a Master of Pharmacogenomics and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy.  Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.

November 18, 2016