Centenary University will continue its initiative to strengthen awareness, prevention and on-campus services to prevent sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking (SADVS).

The initiative, Cyclone Strong, received a U.S. Department of Justice grant of $300,000 grant.

It is a three-year continuation of funds for a Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team at Centenary, as well as a part-time program coordinator to oversee and manage the initiative. Cyclone Strong was established in 2018 through a first round of U.S. Department of Justice grant funding.

“Cyclone Strong has made an important impact on our campus over the past three years,” said Kerry Mullins, vice president of student life and dean of students, noting that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “It has enabled us to provide educational programming to our community and to support students affected by SADVS.”

Through the CCR Team, Centenary expanded services for survivors, including those offered by Centenary University personnel and through community partners. The university provides office space for the Dommestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC). The grant has also funded an expanded program of awareness, prevention, and bystander intervention training for all Centenary students.