Saginaw Valley State University has received a grant for sexual assault prevention and education. It’s part of a national effort called Bringing in the Bystander.
The Michigan State Police awarded the $25,000 grant. The funding will be used to train 30 student leaders on how to best handle sexual assault situations.
Michele Gunkelman is the Director of Residential Life at SVSU.
“The training is designed as a 90 minute session and to help students identify behaviors that could lead to sexual violence, helps to develop empathy for those that have experienced violence, helps to practice safe and appropriate intervention skills, because we want for observers to intervene appropriately.”
Gunkelman said the trainers will then train additional students so there are more qualified people around campus.
She said funding will also go toward a community event to promote university resources for sexual assault victims.