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:
- Raise awareness about violence in the local community
- Increase understanding about global violence
- Promote the healing of survivors of violence
- Raise funds for local non-profits invested in violence prevention and service to survivors of violence
- 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
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Educates first-year students about high-risk behaviors, prevention strategies and resources for survivors of rape and sexual assault
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- Active Bystander Training
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Training for students interested in working to prevent rape and sexual assault on campus
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- SPAR
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Frank discussion about campus culture, consent, acquaintance rape and bystander intervention
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- Fine Arts Workshop
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A way to express that which has been left unsaid too often at Notre Dame and in the world, a way to express that which is often incommunicable
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- Sexual Violence Awareness Week
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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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- Writing Workshop
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A means to reflect on the nature of violence, how to prevent it, and how to build a more just and humane society
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- Literary Journal
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Outgrowth of the Writing Workshop which is published annually and released at the Festival on the Quad
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- Festival on the Quad
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Culmination of VPI events, celebrating Notre Dame's commitment to ending violence on campus
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