Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE)

Fitchburg Anti-Violence Education (FAVE) is a campus-wide effort to prevent interpersonal and relationship violence, and sexual assault, at Fitchburg State and to support those affected by violence. Like many other colleges and universities, Fitchburg State has been impacted by these phenomena. We have chosen as a community to stand up and act.

FAVE is co-coordinated by Robert Hynes, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Student Support Services and Amanda Sapienza, MA.

FAVE collaborates with a number of community partners (e.g., YWCA Domestic Violence Services, Pathways for Change) to meet our training needs and to link survivors with community based resources.

The project originated in 2010, with a grant awarded to Fitchburg State University by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, through the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program. In 2011, the former President of the University issued a proclamation declaring zero tolerance for violence which was featured at FAVE’s inaugural event in the spring of that year.

A key component of FAVE is mandatory educational programming for incoming first-year and transfer students about issues of interpersonal and relationship violence, sexual assault, and training in being an active bystander. Visitors to this site are encouraged to review FAVE’s mission and core values, descriptions of our educational programs.

This site also features resources for help or information about dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship or has been a victim of sexual assault, there are many places to go for help. Many can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On campus, free and confidential support is provided at Counseling Services.

Mission

We will create a safe and respectful campus community for all, free from interpersonal and relationship violence, sexual assault, and stalking. We will do this by promoting healthy relationships through education and programming while empowering and supporting those affected by violence.

Core Values

Respect, Acceptance, and Appreciation

Emphasize respect, acceptance, and appreciation for all members of our campus community in order to foster a culture of nonviolence.

Education

Provide campus-wide education and programming that utilizes effective practices to promote healthy relationships and prevent violence through bystander training.

Coordination and Collaboration

Actively engage and collaborate with all Fitchburg State University departments and offices, and our community partners, to create a coordinated approach in preventing and addressing violence.

Support

Increase awareness of on- and off-campus support services for those affected by violence and to encourage their use through multiple entry points for help and ongoing education.

A key component of Fitchburg State University's commitment to creating a safe and healthy campus community is mandatory educational programming for all incoming first-year and transfer students about issues of interpersonal and relationship violence and sexual assault.

All incoming students will be required to participate in a two-part educational program focusing on these issues, as well as the role that active bystanders play. For the 2020-2021 academic year, new students will:

  • Complete the online interactive training Haven: Understanding Sexual Assault. Students will be provided details regarding their compliance with this requirement during Summer, 2021. 
  • Attend a presentation of the One Love Foundation's Escalation, an important film that addresses issues related to interpersonal/relationship violence and sexual assault. The film is to be followed by a supportive and collaborative discussion surrounding these issues facilitated by trained Fitchburg State staff, faculty, and peer orientation leaders.

Anyone with questions regarding the training program is welcome to contact FAVE Co-Coordinators Robert Hynes, Ph.D. and Amanda Sapienza, MA at fave@fitchburgstate.edu.

Getting Help

If you or someone you care about is in an abusive relationship, there are many places to go to for help. This page contains just some of the many resources that are out there for you. Several can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Free and confidential services can be accessed at both Counseling Services.

On Campus

Off Campus