Violence Prevention Initiative

The Violence Prevention Initiative (VPI) began as a grassroots movement, driven by students, to address violence in a constructive and more comprehensive way.  It has become a means to bring the Notre Dame community together, united in providing support for survivors of violence and creating a culture where such violence is not permitted. 

VPI aims to:

  1. Raise awareness about violence in the local community
  2. Increase understanding about global violence
  3. Promote the healing of survivors of violence
  4. Raise funds for local non-profits invested in violence prevention and service to survivors of violence
  5. Serve as a flagship for violence prevention programming on Catholic campuses

Ecclesiastes (3:1-8) inspired many of the names for VPI events.  The year-round curriculum includes the following events:

College HAS Issues

Educates first-year students about high-risk behaviors, prevention strategies and resources for survivors of rape and sexual assault

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SPAR
SPAR: Students Preventing Acquaintance Rape

Frank discussion about campus culture, consent, acquaintance rape and bystander intervention

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Fine Arts Workshop: Silk Scarf Creations
Sexual Violence Awareness Week
Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Increases awareness about rape and sexual assault and provides support, education, prevention strategies and resources in an effort to build a community of healing

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Active Bystander Training
A Time to Write: Writing Workshop
Walk with Me: Caring for a Survivor of Sexual Assault while Caring for Yourself
The Clothesline Project
Take Back the Night