University of Evansville secures DOJ grant for Project SafeSpace
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The University of Evansville is embarking on a new project to fight against sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking thanks to a federal grant.
The school has received a $400,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to create Project Safespace. According to a release from the university, the project is designed to bring together community partners in Evansville to combat all forms of sexual assault and domestic violence.
“We want to create a culture where students feel empowered to speak up and foster an environment that promotes safety for everyone,” said Keith Gehlhausen, executive director of human resources & institutional equity at UE. “Project Safespace will help us continue to build a campus community where everyone feels safe and supported.”
Specifically, the grant will see the university work with the Evansville Police Department, Albion Fellows Bacon Center, and local LGBTQ+ service provider Matthew 25 through training sessions and awareness programs. The university says it will “work to foster a safe campus environment” through activities like bystander intervention and education about healthy relationships.
UE says it will get Project Safespace up and running over the next few years. That process starts with hiring a project director and gathering input.