Domestic Violence

and Sexual Assault

Awareness and
Prevention
Elena Denton, Audrey Hinz, Sarah Zellmann,
Shane Holsclaw, Hannah Insko
Mentored By: Dr. Luke Tyler
Overview of our Project
In the Beginning… the

● Our group made the decision to try and raise awareness on the
problems surrounding Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
(DV/SA) as well as come up with preventative measures
● After meeting with Waypoint and discussing some of their needs
as an organization we decided the direction we would take
would be to kickstart hygiene kit drives in local high schools
● We also wanted to raise awareness of DV/SA on Loras’ campus
through tabling outside the cafeteria
Overview Cont.
What is a Hygiene Kit Drive and why are they
useful?
Why local High Schools?
● Donations of the “essentials”
○ Toothbrushes, razors, soap, cosmetics,
hairbrushes
● Most of the time a victim flees at the spur
of a moment and is not able to bring
anything with them
● When the victim arrives at a refuge center
he/she will be provided with a kit to
maintain some autonomy and
independence
● High school students are at an age when
dating becomes relevant in their lives
● It is important to institute an
understanding of what a healthy
relationship does and does not look like
from a young age
● We predicted high school students would
be more willing to donate, than college
students
Overview Cont. Where we are heading…

In the Middle… ● We have shifted directions and are now

working with Waypoint to reconstruct the
● In February we received training akin to
sexual assault training provided on Loras’
that of advocacy training from Waypoint
campus
so we would be properly equipped to
● We have a draft proposal in the making,
handle certain situations that could arise
which will be discussed in further detail on
while tabling
a later slide
● During this session we discussed some
discrepancies that students at Loras
(ourselves included) had with the sexaul
assult training provided to students
Relevant Research
● Our main research has adapted into first person research with our community
partner Waypoint Services.
● We have learned through getting statistics that they have gathered as well as
an in person training session to teach us about advocacy.
● However, given the current state of the world we are not able to continue
doing large amounts of research with Waypoint due to the increase of work
they have to contend with.
Community Partner-Waypoint Services

Waypoint is: Services Provided:

● Domestic Violence Agency ● Counseling Services

● Serves 7 counties in Iowa ● Medical Advocacy
● 24/7 hotline ● Legal Advocacy
● Served close to 3,000 people last ● Housing and Financial Advocacy
year ● Hygiene Kits
● Educational Programs
How our Project has Changed due to Cultural
Competency Principles

● Victims of SA and DV come from various cultures and backgrounds

● Understanding and sensitivity are very important for us
● Enhanced how we can best serve those in need
● Strive to be a support system for the most vulnerable, no matter what their
cultural background
Social Justice Relevance
● The main aspect of social justice in
relevance to our project is Catholic Social
Teaching, and more specifically dignity of
the human person.
● Everyone has the right to basic human
dignity, this includes those who have
been affected by DV or SA.
● We are working with Waypoint to ensure
that these people have the same chance
at an equal life as everyone else.
Ideas and Future Goals
● Loras Campus Fest
○ Outreach to first-year students early in their Loras experience
○ Provide DVSA education and connections to WayPoint
● Hygiene kit drive
○ Spread awareness of DVSA in high
schools
○ Provide WayPoint with an influx of
resources
Ideas and Future Goals

● New SA Training Proposal in response to Title IX

○ Propose an improved SA training format
○ Involve WayPoint in the presentation when they are able
● Build relationship between Loras College & Waypoint
○ Project sustainability
○ Proposal implementation, improvement, and evolvement
In conclusion...
● Thank you
○ WayPoint Services
○ Dr. Luke Tyler
○ Dr. Erin VanLaningham
● Next steps
● See you in the fall!