The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded a $300,000 grant to Centenary University to institute Cyclone Strong, a new initiative to strengthen awareness, prevention, and on-campus services regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking (SADVS). The three-year grant will fund a new Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team at Centenary, as well as allow for the hiring of a full-time program coordinator to oversee and manage the initiative.

“This funding is an important step toward preventing SADVS on our campus and will help us to promote awareness and provide comprehensive support to survivors,” said Kerry Mullins, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students at Centenary University. “The safety of our students is our top priority.”

The CCR will expand services offered to survivors, including those offered by Centenary University personnel and through community partners such as the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC). Through Cyclone Strong, Centenary will provide a dedicated space staffed by DASACC on its Hackettstown campus with specific hours for survivors to receive confidential services.

The grant also aims to expand its program of awareness, prevention, and bystander intervention training to all Centenary students.

“To ensure the safety of our students at school, we must do everything we can to reduce sexual assault and domestic violence,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), who was instrumental in assisting Centenary to secure this grant. “I am pleased that this federal grant will help students at Centenary get the support they need and boost the university’s awareness programming on campus.”

In September, Centenary University’s chapter of the sorority Theta Epsilon Nu asked students to sign the It’s On Us pledge, which supports a nationwide movement to end sexual assault. The University has also planned activities to build greater awareness during October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.