Violence against women—including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking—is a serious problem on campuses, as it is across the nation. On campuses, however, unique issues arise. To address these particular circumstances, Congress created the Grants to Reduce Violent Crimes Against Women on Campus Program
In 2022, Viterbo University was one of the colleges and universities across the nation awarded funds by the Justice Department to address sexual violence on campus.
Viterbo’s grant will support a comprehensive campus program that focuses on improving the way that the university identifies and responds to incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The funding will also cover the development of culturally-appropriate, linguistically-accessible print or electronic materials to address prevention and intervention of sexual violence to create systemic, sustainable change.
Office on Violence Against Women College Campus Grant
The Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program (Campus Program) was created by Congress in recognition of the unique issues and challenges that colleges and universities face in preventing and responding to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. The primary purposes of the Campus Program are to develop and strengthen effective security and investigation strategies to prevent and prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking on campuses, and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving such crimes against women on campuses. Check out these important definitions.
The Campus Program encourages a comprehensive coordinated community approach that enhances victim safety, provides services for victims, and supports efforts to hold offenders accountable. The funding supports activities that develop and strengthen trauma informed victim services and strategies to prevent, investigate and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
Reasons You May Choose to Make a Report
There are many reasons why you may choose to make a report. Some of these are:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual misconduct
- Sexual harassment
- Rape
- Stalking
- Cyberbullying
- Dating/domestic violence
- Gender-based harassment
- Gender-based violence
- Nonconsensual sexual contact
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Sexual exploitation
- Retaliation
Don’t Be Afraid to Report
Sometimes individuals are afraid to report sexual violence because alcohol or drugs are involved. Viterbo University’s highest priority is the safety of all on campus. Any other rule violations will be handled separately from the sexual violence or harassment complaint. The use of alcohol or drugs never makes the person who was victimized at fault for sexual violence.
Confidentiality
Students, faculty, and staff may report incidents to any trusted university faculty or staff member. To make informed choices when utilizing campus resources, one should be aware of this information related to confidentiality and mandatory reporting.
Some resources may maintain your complete confidentiality, offering you options and advice with no obligation to tell anyone, unless you wish to have the information shared. For complete confidential assistance, contact the individuals below. Privacy laws prohibit these individuals from disclosing your conversation without permission.
- Justin McKnight, director, counseling services, Murphy Center room 370, 608-796-3808, jsmcknight@viterbo.edu (All counselors who work in counseling services offer confidential assistance.)
- Additionally, all staff members in counseling Services area are confidential support resources
- Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM, director, campus ministry and chaplain, Student Development Center, 936 Franciscan Way, 608-796-3804, catargonsk@viterbo.edu
All other campus employees are required to report allegations and/or violations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking.
Emergency After Hours Contact
- Campus Safety and Security 608-796-3911 or 911
- City of La Crosse Police 785-5962 or 911
- Great Rivers 211 (dial 211) or 1-800-362-TALK (8255)
- Gundersen Health System Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault Program Hotline 608-775-5950
- Mayo Health System Safe Path 608-392-7804
- New Horizons Shelter:608-791-2600 (local) or toll free at 1-888-231-0066
- WIsconsin Hmong Family Strengthening Helpline:1-877-740-4292