Walsh University was recently awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, to establish a comprehensive Cavalier Safeguard Initiative that will supplement existing safety resources and educational programs on campus. These grants are awarded to enhance victim services, implement prevention and education programs, and to develop and strengthen campus security and investigation strategies in order to prevent, prosecute and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking (SADVDVS) crimes on college campuses.
While the grant will help to fund programming and initiatives, one of the most visible results will be the addition of extra blue security lights/emergency telephones to offer greater campus security and improve emergency response for students, employees and community guests who utilize the grounds and facilities at Walsh University.
"Walsh University takes seriously our responsibility to ensure the safety of our campus community members and guests," said Vice President of Student Affairs Amy Malaska. "Our campus and community partners are equally thrilled to receive this grant as Walsh continues to advance our educational programs, services and response on this critical topic in today's society."
The Cavalier Safeguard Initiative will also:
- Provide education and awareness programs for all Walsh campuses.
- Assist international students to better understand and navigate U.S. customs regarding dating and interpersonal relationships.
- Review victim safety and confidentiality by engaging external subject matter experts in a campus-wide review of processes, procedures, victim’s rights, informed consent, investigations and secure record-keeping.
- Create a campus culture where all students feel knowledgeable about campus and community resources, understand their rights and feel comfortable asking for help.
- Coordinate with on and off-campus partners to assure that victims have access to comprehensive, culturally sensitive, victim-centered care and full awareness of their rights to privacy, safety and autonomy.
- Create a coordinated system for reporting, investigating and responding to incidents of SADVDVS.
Committed partners at Walsh include Campus Leadership, Student Affairs, Title IX Coordinator, Clery Act Compliance Officer and Campus Police. External partners include COMPASS (Sexual Assault Education, Prevention and Support), the Domestic Violence Project, Inc., TRIAD Deaf Services, Victim Assistance Services with the Stark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Springfield Township Police Department.