Walsh University has been awarded a $348,708 grant by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support the Cavalier Safeguard Initiative 3.0. The funding will strengthen Walsh University’s proactive efforts to maintain a safe campus environment and continue implementing educational programs aimed at preventing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The grant comes as the University also observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.
The three-year project, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2027, will expand on existing campus safety programs in collaboration with local partners such as COMPASS Rape Crisis Center and Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI), along with the Stark County Prosecutor’s Office. The initiative will focus on increasing awareness of support services, providing sexual assault prevention education specifically tailored for veterans, and enhancing faculty and staff training on interpersonal violence.
“As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this grant allows us to further advance our mission of creating a safe, supportive community,” said Melanie Timco, Director of Prevention Education and Programming. “Our current initiatives, such as the Campus Culture Survey and the Red Flag Campaign, equip our campus to raise awareness, foster compassion, and take action against relationship violence.”
Walsh University’s campus safety programs have been effective, with minimal incidents reported each year. The grant will help expand initiatives including a weekly Date Night/Friend Night series promoting healthy relationships, a Healing Hike on October 10 for survivors and supporters, and the Interpersonal Leadership Endorsement micro-credential course offered on October 22.
