Kean Counseling Center Receives Federal Grant for Domestic Violence Survivors Network

A new program created by the Kean Counseling Center (KCC), supported by a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), will create a culturally responsive, campus-based network for survivors of sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.  

The KCC will establish the Survivors Empowerment and Education Network, or SEEN, as a model for other universities around the country seeking to address domestic violence.  

The four-year DOJ grant will support a program director — a licensed counselor to work with the KCC team and create services, education, training and advocacy in partnership with other community organizations serving survivors.  

“We are creating a network that helps the whole community and works to support survivors and prevent violence,” said Patricia Aponte, Kean’s clinical director of student health services. “This is a solid foundation that will endure long beyond our time and help future generations.” 

The Survivors Network will take a culturally informed approach, designed to serve Kean’s diverse population, which includes many first-generation students. 

“Culture has incredible influence,” said John Grady, Ph.D., director of the KCC. “We are there to help people find their own answers. We can’t impose our own belief systems on people. We can provide education and resources.” 

The Survivors Network program will strengthen prevention and education programs for faculty, staff and students, and provide specialized training for personnel to effectively respond to incidents. 

The network will build on Kean’s existing relationships with internal and external community partners, and the leadership team hopes to expand to form new partnerships on campus and beyond. 
 
“We welcome anyone who wants to be an ally to work with us,” said Genique Stanislaus, DNP, executive director of the Kean Wellness Center. “The network we build will have a lasting and sustainable impact on the well-being of this population, and we welcome all who want to join.”