Walsh University has been recommended for a $10,000 grant by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE). The grant aims to enhance the university's commitment to preventing and responding to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus. The proposal for this grant was co-written by service learning students in a course led by Professor Kathy Buttermore. It is designed to address the critical issue of power-based relationship violence and will allow Walsh University to broaden its prevention efforts through innovative programming and community partnerships.

Power-based relationship violence has significant consequences that profoundly affect survivors’ lives. Studies indicate that one in four women and one in ten men experience sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking in their lifetime. The economic impact of these crimes can reach up to $120,000 over a lifetime when considering medical costs, lost wages, and legal fees.

To address this urgent matter, Walsh University is initiating the Interpersonal Leadership Endorsement program. This program aims to integrate sexual violence prevention with existing campus initiatives in student affairs, residence life, and freshmen programs. Students who complete the program will receive a certification that they can include on their professional resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other portfolios.

The Interpersonal Leadership Endorsement program will comprise four key components:

1. Social Norms Marketing: This involves using the Red Flag Campaign Package designed to encourage open dialogue about sexual violence, dating violence, and stalking.

2. Healthy Relationship Training: This includes implementing the “Love Notes” curriculum by The Dibble Institute which provides evidence-based lessons on making wise decisions related to relationships.

3. Bystander Intervention Training: This entails conducting training sessions using the “Bringing in the Bystander” curriculum by Soteria Solutions aimed at empowering all community members to intervene in risky situations.

4. Experiential Service Learning: This involves engaging participants in creating aftercare bags for victims of sexual violence discharged from hospitals, thereby fostering empathy and community engagement.

To ensure the program's success, Walsh University will collaborate closely with campus partners such as Residence Life, Student Affairs, and the peer mentorship program Cavs Cor. Additionally, partnerships with community organizations like the COMPASS Sexual Assault Crisis Center and the Aultman Community Hospital Serenity Program will further enhance the program’s effectiveness and reach.

“This grant will allow Walsh University to expand our efforts in preventing sexual assault and domestic violence on campus,” said Melanie Timco, Director of Prevention Education and Programming at Walsh University. “Through the Interpersonal Leadership Endorsement program, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge and skills to create a safer campus environment and become leaders in eradicating power-based relationship violence.”

The grant funding will also support an evaluation plan to assess the impact of the program on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to power-based relationship violence prevention.