Women's and Gender Studies at EWU

Changing Campus Climate: Reducing Violence Against Women

In October 2004, and again in 2006, Eastern Washington University received the Department of Justice Changing Campus Climate: Reducing Violence Against Women at EWU Grant with goals to

  • Strengthen victim support
  • Increase victim reporting and healing
  • Change campus climate through education and prevention
  • Train administrators, faculty, staff and students

The Violence Prevention Victim Advocate (VPVA)

Eastern Washington University has a full time Violence Prevention Victim Advocate, Karen Wanjico, working in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. The Violence Prevention Victim Advocate is a resource for students, faculty and staff who have been victimized by sexual assault, intimate partner violence or stalking. The VPVA will privately offer support and provide information on the various options available: how to obtain an order for protection, working with the police and filing a report, help with contacting professors, addressing housing issues and referrals to counselors on and off campus. The VPVA is available to accompany and support victims during criminal or civil trials and University disciplinary hearings. The VPVA is located in 320 PUB, or phone 509.359.6429.

First Responders

30 staff and faculty members are trained as First Responders. Students, staff and faculty who have concerns about violence against women, for self or others, can talk to a First Responder. They are qualified to listen to stories of fear and victimization and discuss options, including referring victims to support and services. First Responders can be recognized by the "Safety Zone: My Door Is Open" logo on their doors. They can be found on the EWU Cheney, EWU Riverpoint and WSU Riverpoint campuses. The Women's and Gender Studies Department has several First Responders (located in 207 Monroe Hall). See the full list of First Responder contact information for each campus here.

Gender Violence and Victim Rights

Please visit http://www.ewu.edu/x35346.xml. There you will find a lot of information on

Important Phone Numbers

  • EWU 24-Hour confidential automated information and resource hotline: 509.359.4970
  • Karen Wanjico, Violence Prevention Victim Advocate: 509.359.6429
  • EWU and Cheney Police: 509.498.9233 (Call EWU, Cheney or Spokane law enforcement dispatch by dialing 911)
  • The Victim Rights Response Team, 24/hr sexual assault crisis line: 509.624.7273
  • YWCA's 24/hr Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 509.326.2255
  • EWU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 509.359.2366