St. Edward’s University is teaming up with SAFE Alliance in drafting a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in order to spread awareness and promote advocacy on topics related to sexual assault prevention to students.

An MOU entails a statement shared between two or more parties written as a contract indicating a commitment to a common interest or line of action. It signifies a collaboration between the parties and is used to define the terms in which the organizations will be working together. 

The partnership was initiated between the authority of St. Edward’s University Vice President and Title IX Coordinator Lisa Kirkpatrick and Piper Nelson, Chief Public Strategies Officer of SAFE Alliance. Their hope in collaborating is to build stronger resources and a safer environment for students to learn about and be protected against sexual assault and other stigmatized subjects.

“The Memorandum of Understanding between St. Edward’s University and The SAFE Alliance of Austin is an agreement about how we will work together in support of a common vision to stop sexual violence in communities, including SEU, and provide comprehensive support to those who are survivors of such abuse,” Kirkpatrick said. “The MOU itself ensures that no matter who is working on these issues at SEU or SAFE, we have a record of our intention and collaboration so that the partnership remains strong and effective over time.” 

Nelson voiced that she is excited to work with the SEU and learn of existing prevention efforts.

“SAFE is proud of our long tradition of providing healing, housing and support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and sex trafficking,” she said. “To that end, we look forward to working with the St. Edward’s University community to ensure that these resources are easily available to you.”

The SAFE Alliance center was founded in 2015 as part of the combined efforts of the Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, who banded together to address the complex issues of violence and abuse. Their short and direct mission statement is “to stop abuse for everyone” and it drives the foundation to provide services such as community education training and presentations, free and confidential counseling for victims, and shelter and housing to those in need. 

SEU and SAFE Alliance have collaborated on events, resources and discussions dealing with sexual assault prevention since SAFE Alliance’s beginning. With the memorandum, their collaboration will attempt to achieve a strong and effective support system to the university.