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Providence, R.I. – With a formal agreement having taken effect on Jan. 1, Roger Williams University is now the first higher education institution in Rhode Island to formally develop a memorandum of understanding with , the state’s sexual assault and trauma resource center.

For the University, the agreement comes as part of a broader effort to expand upon efforts to prevent sexual assault on campus, to urge bystander intervention, to encourage victims to report incidents, to support survivors and to create a safe learning environment for all students.

“With our continued focus on creating a climate in which any instance of sexual assault at Roger Williams University is one too many, working collaboratively to bring in expertise and assistance from beyond campus becomes a critical part of our approach,” says John King, the University’s vice president for student affairs. “With guidance and input from Day One – and with Day One’s assistance in directly supporting victims on a personal level – we will even more effectively raise awareness and preserve the dignity and safety of every student, faculty and staff member at this institution.”

As part of the agreement, Day One will provide services including:

• 24-hour crisis hotline availability to ������ϲʿ������� students and employees
• Victim advocates who will meet victims on campus or at local health care facilities, as requested
• Training to ������ϲʿ������� staff involved in student conduct proceedings, campus public safety and other areas
• Assistance with identifying any patterns or systemic problems related to sexual violence
• Materials about Day One services to ������ϲʿ������� students and employees

In addition, Day One will meet periodically with the University’s Title IX Coordinator to share information and review the university’s sexual assault prevention and response program. ������ϲʿ�������, in return, will collaborate with Day One on prevention approaches, providing a central point of contact and information to Day One about on-campus resources, policies and response structure.

“Developing MOUs with community sexual assault centers was a one of the key recommendations for colleges by the ,” said Peg Langhammer, Day One Executive Director. “We see this partnership as a critical first step in developing a collaborative solution that puts the needs of victims first. We’re excited to be working with ������ϲʿ������� on this important effort.”

The MOU went into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

About Day One

Established as the RI Rape Crisis Center in 1973, Day One is the only agency in Rhode Island organized specifically to deal with issues of sexual assault as a community concern. Day One’s mission is to reduce the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence and to support and advocate for those affected by it. For more information, visit www.dayoneri.org.