The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a grant of over $18 million to 57 colleges across the nation to address sexual violence on college campuses.
The grant has been announced to help campuses to respond better to cases of stalking, dating violence, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) aims to ensure a coordinated response to campus violent crimes, through a collaboration with justice agencies and victim services providers.
“The awards will make possible a range of services, including specialized training for campus law enforcement, healthcare providers, university personnel and others who are often first responders,” the Justice Department said in a release.
The selected colleges will work in synchronization with the local law enforcement and prosecutors, Greek life organizations and campus athletic programs.
“It is vital to keep our students safe on campuses by supporting programs that take a coordinated community approach to education and prevention of sexual assault on our college and university campuses,” OVW Acting Director Katharine Sullivan said.
The department has awarded more than $131 million in grants to hundreds of colleges across the nation since the inception of the program in 1999.