For the second time in two weeks, The University of Toledo has received a grant to prevent and address sexual assault on college campuses and help victims.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine awarded UT $286,782 to continue operations of the University’s Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness, which was created last year.

The new funding is part of $79.5 million announced recently to support 356 crime victim service providers across the state through the Attorney General’s Expanding Services and Empowering Victims Initiative. The funds being awarded are from the Victims of Crime Act provided to Ohio from the U.S. Department of Justice. The fund is financed by federal settlements, fines and fees.

“Victims come first, and we want to set the example of how to do this successfully for other universities across the country to follow,” said Dr. Kasey Tucker-Gail, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the UT Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness.

“In the aftermath of a crime, it’s critically important that victims have easy access to comprehensive care and services,” DeWine said. “Through these grants, agencies throughout the state will be able to continue or even expand upon the ways they help victims of crime in Ohio.”

Last week the U.S. Department of Justice awarded UT a $299,202 grant to enhance efforts to prevent and address sexual assault victimization on college campuses through the creation of a coordinated community response team. The team will develop prevention, education and intervention policies and practices for sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

“This is a national issue that we are committed to tackling here at UT through education, prevention and research,” said Dr. Megan Stewart, assistant professor of criminal justice and director of development and programming for the Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness.

The UT Center for Student Advocacy and Wellness is a community where education, advocacy and research intersect that strengthens the University’s commitment to raise awareness and increase education and prevention of sexual assault and violence.

Media Coverage
The Blade (October 14, 2016)

Tags: College of Health and Human Services