Geisinger College awarded grant to combat sexual assault

SCRANTON -
Geisinger College of Health Sciences has again received a $40,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Governor's It's On Us PA campaign to end sexual assault.

This is the fifth time Geisinger College has been awarded funds from this statewide campaign that invites education leaders and all Pennsylvanians to be part of the solution to protect students from sexual violence.

The money will be used to continue the college's successful campaign to raise awareness of and combat sexual violence, dating violence and domestic violence and to provide stalking education, prevention and response in postsecondary education.

According to Andrea DiMattia, EdD, vice provost for education administration, since the college has launched its 'It's on Us' campaign, more than 400 students, faculty and staff have signed a pledge signaling a personal commitment to help keep people safe and to not to be a bystander.

"Signing the pledge indicates people have heard the message and agree to be part of the solution," Dr. DiMattia said. "It's proof that our awareness campaign is working, and our college is a safe and welcoming place for every learner."

College Title IX coordinator Andrea Mulrine said the grant funding will be used for several initiatives, such as developing programming and training in collaboration with the College's Women's Resource Center and the Abuse Network, a regional domestic violence/rape crisis center for Mifflin, Juniata and Huntingdon counties. These initiatives will center on awareness and response to sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking for Geisinger College students and employees.

The funding will also support the College's ATIXA Super Membership, which provides unlimited access to more than 40 training modules and regular live webinars presented by experts in all areas of Title IX, sexual discrimination and harassment.

The College will also continue its successful It's On Us social media-based awareness campaign, and the grant will support handouts with resource information, video displays and giveaways.

"Thanks to It's On Us PA, our college has built robust resources to help recognize and prevent sex-based discrimination and harassment and provide support to members of our college community who have experienced it. The continued funding will allow us to continue this important work," Ms. Mulrine said.