OU partners with HAVEN in an effort to end gender-based violence

Facilitator for the MVP course, Kristopher Kole Wyckhuys, is a Prevention Education Specialist with HAVEN of Oakland County. HAVEN is a comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Faculty in Oakland University's School of Nursing are leading the campus in an effort to end gender-based violence.

By offering a six-week leadership program open to all OU students, the Violence Prevention Task Force aims to motivate students to play a central role in ending bullying, violence and sexual assault — both on campus and in the community.

The training series, called Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP), promotes both men and women working together in order to create positive change.

“Students should participate if they are interested in learning more about how they can become effective and active leaders in changing the culture on campus,” said School of Nursing faculty Kelly Berishaj. “During the program, students will learn bystander intervention skills, which will assist with intervening when an abusive relationship is identified or to provide support and guidance to peers who may be in an abusive relationship.”

Session topics include:

• Leadership Development and Program Introduction 
• Defining and Preventing Sexual Assault / Consent and Bystander Intervention 

  WINTER SESSIONS: Winter 2015 sessions will be held on Mondays from 5-7 p.m. starting January 26 and Tuesdays from 5-7 p.m. starting March 3.  Register.

• Flirting and the Dynamics of Sexual Harassment 
• Media Literacy and Objectification 
• Skills for Violence Free Relationships
• Leadership, Culture Change and Continued Activism

For more information about the MVP session or joining the Violence Prevention Task Force at OU, contact Kelly Berishaj at berishaj@oakland.edu.