Violence Prevention Program
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is developing a campus culture that fosters healthy relationships and does not condone violence toward any Northwestern community member.
The Violence Prevention Program (VPP) was implemented in January 2008 through the Regional University System of Oklahoma’s Violence Prevention Project. The overall goal is to effectively and collaboratively minimize the incidence of dating violence, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking on all three of Northwestern’s campuses.
The first priority of the program is to develop different initiatives for the education about and prevention of violence and involves both males and females.
VPP includes the formation and maintenance of a community education response team (CERT), coordination of information sharing between response agencies, maintenance of mandatory prevention education programs, provision for specialized CLEET training for campus police, provision of training for northwestern employees and students and the upgrade of capital improvements to enhance campus safety.
The CERT team involves key people on campus and in the community and has a diverse student representation.
A curriculum has been developed that targets issues on violence against women. Components of that curriculum will be delivered at freshman orientation, student-athlete orientation and transfer student orientation. Issues also will be discussed in Ranger Connection, a mandatory one hour class for freshmen.
Student educators will be trained and be available to students to turn to for help and support. These peer educators are able to access appropriate services and provide support and mentoring.
The coordinator of the program, Sandra Harmon, is a licensed professional counselor, licensed behavioral practitioner and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.