Shippensburg University is leading the way in the fight to end sexual assault with a new grant awarded from Governor Tom Wolf and the statewide “It’s On Us PA” campaign. The university will use the $18,000 grant to expand educational programming for the campus community by establishing a Green Dot program.
The grant builds on the existing “Ship Says No More” program, aimed at engaging all campus community members in the fight to end sexual assault and domestic violence. In 2016, Ship won its first “It’s On Us PA” grant, and, with the funds established a 24/7-advocacy line in partnership with a local domestic violence and sexual assault center. The line provides students support and information about sexual misconduct. The grant also improved training and reporting processes.
The latest grant supports the implementation of the Green Dot evidence-based bystander intervention program. Green Dot provides a framework and common language that engages a broader bystander community and addresses high risk intervention, improving response systems, shifting norms of inaction and strengthening policy and enforcement.
“Through education, we have the opportunity to not only end sexual violence on our campus, but in our community. We can inspire our students, faculty and staff to take a stand in their communities and make a difference,” said Laurie Carter, president of Shippensburg University.
The “It’s On Us PA” campaign builds on the momentum of the national campaign with a focus on college and university presidents, superintendents, administrators, teachers, students, families and community members. By bringing these groups together across the state, the initiative works to reframe the conversation around sexual violence. Ship is one of 38 colleges and universities to receive the grant.
