In March, 2020, the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence was officially established at the Department of Criminal Justice. A year later, the Center has developed into an interdisciplinary research and service center for ending gender-based violence in rural communities, with involvement from faculty in the departments of criminal justice, applied business studies, art and design, communication studies, and sociology.

The Center is important for students interested in pursuing careers in the social sciences such as being a victim advocate, directing non-profit agencies, educating others about the harms associated with gender-based violence, and countless others. Furthermore, the Center recruits both undergraduate and graduate students to engage is research initiatives and coordinate and participate in workshops and virtual panels. In addition, FHSU students can work toward earning a Certificate in Victim Advocacy with attendance at specific workshops hosted by the Center.

The latest mission of the Center is to host a workshop and keynote event Together, we heal; Together, we rise- Developing a path of healing and economic freedom for survivors in fall 2021. This event will feature Becca Stevens, author, speaker, social entrepreneur, founder and president of Thistle Farms in Nashville, Tennessee. Thistle Farms was founded to heal, empower, and employ female survivors of human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.

Funds donated to the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence will go directly to funding this important event, open to all FHSU students.

Thank you for generosity! Your kind gift will empower FHSU students to bring an end to gender-based violence.

Please Note:

- A processing fee will be deducted from your gift when using a credit/debit card. If considering a gift of $1,000 or more, please contact Janna Wilkinson at the FHSU Foundation to determine the best way to give at jlwilkinson@fhsu.edu or 785.628.4129

- Funds raised will be used at the discretion of a faculty advisor or fund manager.