Charlotte Students Join Forces for Violence Prevention
The vibrant city of Charlotte is bustling with enthusiasm as students from UNC Charlotte engage in a significant initiative to combat interpersonal violence on campus. The nonprofit organization Niners Against Violence (NAV) kicked off its eight-week cohort program on September 17, 2024, at the cozy Bonnie E. Cone Center. This year, the energy is palpable as the program welcomes its largest group yet!
A Renewed Focus on Safety
The NAV program has been steadily growing since its inception in 2023, and this semester’s enrollment has reached a remarkable 28 students—almost three times the number of participants in previous sessions. This surge is exciting news for associate director for violence prevention, Chelsey Walker, and assistant director for violence prevention, Lucy Bullock, who are leading the program for the first time during this academic year.
“We want students after they finish the eight weeks and invest, you know, 16 hours of their time, to have a place to land,” said Walker. The goal is to support students in staying committed to violence prevention efforts beyond their initial training.
What to Expect in the Cohort Program
The cohort, which meets every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., is designed in two parts. First, students participate in engaging activities led by Walker and Bullock, which helps foster a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Then, they enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a discussion led by a NAV ambassador.
For those who complete the program, there’s the exciting opportunity to become NAV ambassadors themselves, taking on leadership roles in future sessions and other NAV activities. Walker and Bullock emphasize that this ambassador program evolves and grows with each cohort and what students can do for their campus community.
Understanding the Importance of the Initiative
Why is this program so vital? According to statistics, a significant portion of the population experiences domestic violence—29% of women and 10% of men in the United States have faced some form of this hardship. To combat this, NAV is dedicated to empowering students with knowledge about preventing sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking while also teaching them how to intervene safely.
“We teach everyone how to prevent sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking,” stated Bullock. “We also focus on community action and culture change, showing students they can make a difference.”
Impactful Activities in the Program
One of the standout features of the cohort program is the hands-on activities, particularly an empathy-building exercise that has received high praise from participants. Walker shared how this activity helps students put themselves in the shoes of a victim, allowing them to feel the weight of the issue firsthand. “That exercise, I think students found really powerful and impactful,” she said, highlighting the profound effect such experiences can have on understanding and preventing violence.
The final session is also special, where police and public safety officers provide training on self-defense tactics—an additional skill that helps empower attendees.
What’s Next for Niners Against Violence?
Although the fall cohort sign-ups have closed, anticipation builds for the spring program, which will follow a similar schedule. Plus, NAV offers training throughout the year for student organizations and staff, promoting a culture of safety and proactive measures against interpersonal violence.
Walker encourages everyone to remember that the power for prevention lies within the students themselves. “I think a lot of times, students don’t realize that they have a lot of power in preventing what happens to those around them by showing positive norms,” Bullock added.
To get involved or learn more about Niners Against Violence and the upcoming spring training, be sure to follow @clt_cwp on Instagram! Together, the students of UNC Charlotte are making strides in creating a safer campus for all.
