Violence Awareness and Response Program

10/11/2026

10/08/2026

☮️ PEACE is hosting a donation drive for CADA in honor of Domestic Violence Prevention & Awareness Month.

CADA, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving victims and survivors of relationship abuse and sexual violence throughout south-central Minnesota.

📥 You can bring donations to CSU 218 throughout October.

10/06/2026

☕️ In recognition of Domestic Violence Prevention & Awareness Month, join us for our October discussion of the Manosphere.

According to UN Women, the Manosphere is “an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow and aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man – and the false narrative that feminism and gender equality have come at the cost of men’s rights. These communities promote the idea that emotional control, material wealth, physical appearance and dominance, especially over women, are markers of male worth.”

We will guide the discussion to understand this concept and where it originated, the actual vs. perceived purpose of the messages promoted by Manosphere “influencers”, and the impact it has had on relationship equity, gender-based violence, and the embodiment of masculinity & men’s health.

🗓️ Wed. October 7
🕚 11am-1pm
📍 CSU 218 - Women’s Center
🙋🏽 All students welcome
🧁 Free sweet treats and tea will be provided

10/01/2026

💟 October is Domestic Violence Prevention & Awareness Month.

We’re hosting events to support Mavs in:
- Advocating for relationship health
- Undoing harm caused by “influencers” who profit from promoting gender-based violence
- Supporting survivor-centered services
- Building confidence in bystander intervention
- Holding accountable the people and systems that cause harm to others

🗓️ See the full calendar of events, programs, and advocacy opportunities on MavLife: link.mnsu.edu/varpmavlife (also in bio).




“I don’t have the strength to stay away from you anymore.”– Edward Cullen, Twilight (2008).

Sounds romantic? 💘
Or sounds like a red flag? 🚩

Movie Night: Red Flag Bingo addresses unhealthy and abusive behaviors within a pop culture context.

Twilight is used as a familiar example; our student leaders will identify where behaviors such as stalking, guilting, grooming, and jealousy occur. This is a way to help students name harmful behaviors, and compare those to what a healthy relationship should genuinely look and feel like.

Each participant will receive a Bingo card at the start of the movie; the first four participants to get Bingo will receive prizes at the end of the film.

Free resources and food will also be provided by PEACE and our office.

☕️ Clock that Tea is an intentional space to discuss hot topics that impact human rights, wellbeing, and advocacy. Hosted on the first Wednesday of each month, this space is open to all students on the MNSU Mankato campus.

This month’s topic is The Manosphere.

According to UN Women, the Manosphere is “an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow and aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man – and the false narrative that feminism and gender equality have come at the cost of men’s rights. These communities promote the idea that emotional control, material wealth, physical appearance and dominance, especially over women, are markers of male worth.”

Understanding that this exists and has impacted relationship equity, embodiment of masculinity, and overall wellbeing, we will identify ways to intervene and address harm as indivi

09/23/2026

Introducing our VARP staff, who are educators and confidential advocates here on campus!

Questions about prevention education, advocacy, resources, or involvement? Email us at [email protected] or visit us in CSU 218.

My name is Nick Brey and I am excited to be the GA for VARP this academic year!

I am from Saint James, Minnesota, but lived around the Saint Cloud area for a few years during undergrad. I attended the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University and graduated in 2025 with degrees in Gender Studies and Vocal Performance. I am now a graduate student in the Speech Language Pathology program here at MNSU – Mankato!

In 2023, I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC) in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. While at CMSAC, I provided confidential advocacy for individuals with a wide range of experiences – from sexual violence to homelessness – and in different settings such as hospitals, legal and courtroom hearings, and law enforcement sites. Learning the ins and outs of these environments and how they intersect with victims and survivors, taught me the importance of communication and advocacy – both for myself and others.

Outside of my schoolwork and GA commitments, I love to play guitar and piano, be active in the gym or outside, and play video games!

Feel free to stop by the Women’s Center and VARP office to introduce yourself and say hi!

Hello, Mavs! I have been the Director of the Violence Awareness and Response Program here at MNSU, Mankato, since August 2024. During that time, I have built out the program to include more prevention education opportunities and safety planning options/resources for sexual violence survivors.

I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but lived in the south for about 23 years. I am a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where I earned my doctorate in sociology, with a concentration in criminology and domestic violence prevention. I worked as an advocate through a non-profit in the Central Florida community before transitioning to Texas A&M University, where I was the Coordinator for Interpersonal Violence Prevention for about 6 years. I am certified in both Fl

09/13/2026

🧘‍♂️ We have partnered with Campus Recreation as part of our prevention & advocacy programming to host trauma-informed yoga courses. This space welcomes individuals who have survived trauma or are looking for a way to reduce stress.

🤔 What is trauma-informed yoga all about? Mindfulness, choice, and self-awareness. Techniques include gentle, grounding movements and breathwork, avoiding triggers, meditation, and promoting emotional safety. It is easy to follow, relaxing, and you can move at your own pace.

➡️ The courses are free and open to students. It is perfect for anyone looking for an inclusive yoga practice; no prior experience required. Yoga mats will be provided (or if you have a mat, you may bring your own).

🗓️ Wednesday, September 16; Wednesday, October 21; Wednesday, November 18
🕧 6:00-6:45 pm
📍PH 102

08/21/2026

Come see us today during Choose-A-Palooza! The Women’s Center and the Violence Awareness & Response Program are participating in this event.

🤝Meet our pro & student staff
🤔Learn about our services and upcoming programs/events
🗳️Enter to win a prize basket from our Centers
🙌🏻 Free items up for grabs

🗓️Friday, August 21
🕐 1:00-3:00pm
📍CSU 218

What is Choose-A-Palooza? This is a campus-wide scavenger hunt and Signature Event for Welcome Week. Go to The Hub (first floor of the Centennial Student Union (CSU), close to Starbucks) or meet your Community Advisor (CA) to get a map of participating offices on campus. Each office you visit gives you information about their services along with a raffle ticket. Take all your raffle tickets back to the Otto Rec Center Gym by 3:00 pm and drop them in different prize baskets for a chance to win.

We would love to see you there, Mavs.

08/19/2026

Gender & Sexuality Programs presents: Welcome Week Trivia Night – Healthy Relationships & Consent Edition!

🙌🏻 Connect with staff and students who are experts in advocacy work
👏🏽Receive sound information on healthy relationships & consent, while having fun within an interactive & competitive environment
👍 Get free resources, learn about our RSOs, and enjoy snacks and refreshments

🙋Participate in 3 rounds of trivia for prizes. The team with the most points wins the following (per player):
- First round prize: INIU PowerPaw 10K Portable Charger/Power Bank (compatible with iPhone and Android)
- Second round prize: Brita Water Pitcher (with filter) and Owala Water Bottle
- Third round prize: $50 HyVee gift card

🎟️ One student will win our top raffle prize for the event. The raffle will be at the end of the event, and students must be present and have participated in trivia in order to win.
- Apple Ipad (11” tablet)

🗓️ Friday, August 21
🕧6:30-8pm
📍CSU Ballroom
Doors open and check-in begins at 6pm.
Raffle tickets will be handed out between 6:00 and 6:30pm.
All trivia participants will get a free T-shirt and resources; a build your own nacho bar and refreshments will be available to those participating as well.

💟 Content disclaimer: This event promotes relationship health and proactive community norms for violence prevention. Please choose to attend based on your comfort level.

08/17/2026

🎗️VARP is one of the only offices on campus that provides confidential advocacy for students impacted by sexual violence, including relationship abuse, exploitation, and stalking. This is a space where:

✔️Our Director staff is not required to report what happened to the university or the police
✔️We listen without judgment
✔️Your immediate and long-term well-being is prioritized through safety planning
✔️We discuss resource options

🗓️ How to schedule an appointment:
➡️ Bookings Link for the Director: link.mnsu.edu/meetwithvarp (link in bio)
📱 Call: 507-389-5127
🧑‍💻 Email: [email protected]

Appointments are not required to meet with us:
🙋 Walk-ins are always welcome: CSU 218
🤝 We can meet students in other campus spaces, if called out by another department/office to provide support

Our staff hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. For any emergencies outside these hours, we encourage you to contact the Committee Against Domestic Abuse (CADA). CADA serves our community and has advocates on call 24/7: 800-477-0466. We work closely with CADA to make sure the needs of survivors are being met.

08/17/2026

The fall semester is almost here, Mavs, and we look forward to welcoming you!

Our offices are open this week, with extended hours beginning Monday, August 24.

🗓️ Monday, August 17 – Friday, August 21: 8am-4:30pm

🗓️Monday, August 24 – Friday, December 11: 8am-6pm (Mondays-Thursdays), 8am-4:30pm (Fridays)

📍CSU 218

If you are looking for a place to take a break, watch tv, heat up your food, get some resources, or just talk with our staff – feel free to stop by.