Stetson University Receives Grant From U.S. DOJ

DeLand, FL – Stetson University is the recipient of a $296,000, three-year grant from the United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women.  “The grant will enable Stetson University to improve its prevention efforts to the campuscommunity with a particular emphasis on fraternity and sorority involvement, athletics andstudents with disabilities,” said Colleen Vanderlip, MA, director of Stetson’s Wellness andRecreation Department. “Through the creation of a community collaborative response with locallaw enforcement and victim service organizations, students will be more aware, better supported, and feel empowered if faced with challenges related to sex, dating, and domestic violence and stalking.”  Stetson’s Wellness and Recreation Department is managing the grant. They are going to team up with the DeLand Police Department and Volusia Rape Crisis Center to create a communitycollaborative response to enhance victim services, implement education and preventionprograms, and strengthen campus security and investigation strategies in order to avert,prosecute and respond to dating and domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. A portion of the funds will be used to hire a project director to develop a coordinatedcommunity response plan during the first year of the grant program. This will includetraining staff and students along with ensuring there is a joint effort between Stetson, theDeLand Police Department and Volusia Rape Crisis Center. The grant project will provide a clear connection for crime victims who need help with criminal justice processes and supportive services.  The grant is renewable for two additional three-year periods.