Office on Violence Against Women Announces Online Resource Center for Institutions of Higher Education

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) today announced the launch of The Center for Changing Our Campus Culture (www.changingourcampus.org a new comprehensive online clearinghouse on sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking on campus.  This new website provides the latest information, materials and resources for campus administrators, faculty and staff, as well as campus and community law enforcement, victim service providers, students, parents and other key stakeholders to use to improve campus safety.

“The launch of this website reaffirms the department’s commitment to providing campuses with tools to develop and implement effective responses to sexual and dating violence on campus,” said Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates.  “The department commends campus leaders for championing these issues and for their dedication to bringing about lasting changes on their campuses.”

Since the release of Not Alone: The First Report of the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault on Jan. 22, 2014, the Justice Department, in partnership with the Department of Education, has strengthened federal enforcement efforts and provided institutions of higher education with tools to help combat sexual assault and domestic violence on campus.

“Colleges and universities across the country are looking for resources to improve their response to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on campus," said Principal Deputy Director Bea Hanson of the Office on Violence Against Women.  "Visitors to the website will have access to cutting-edge tools, including sample policies, protocols, and best practices, that can be adapted and replicated on colleges and universities across the county."

Content for The Center for Changing Our Campus Culture website was provided by OVW and its Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking on Campus Program technical assistance providers, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The center will continue to work collaboratively to update and maintain the website and will seek guidance and input from campus-based experts, campus communities, and grassroots groups committed to ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.