Gulf Coast Campus Safety Summit

The Gulf Coast Campus Safety Summit is an annual conference aimed at enhancing education and prevention strategies against relationship violence on college campuses. This significant event gathers college and university administrators, faculty, staff, and students from various southern states, including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida, to share knowledge and develop strategies to combat sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.

The Summit encourages multi-disciplinary teams within campus communities to attend, thereby maximizing the impact of its offerings on each represented campus. The event is organized collaboratively by Jana's Campaign, Inc., Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and Houston Community College, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

The organizers maintain affordable registration fees through corporate and foundation sponsorships, promoting wider attendance and engagement.

The Summit features distinguished speakers with extensive backgrounds in higher education and domestic violence prevention. Cathy Cocks, Director of Student Affairs at D. Stafford & Associates, brings over thirty years of experience in the field. Her notable accomplishments include managing student conduct processes and contributing to significant publications on student conduct practices.

Thecia Jenkins, Training Director with Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, is another pivotal speaker, recognized for her expertise in developing curricula and training programs addressing domestic and sexual violence across various sectors. Together, they will lead discussions and workshops to inform attendees on effective prevention and response strategies.

The Summit's ultimate aim is to foster a supportive and respectful campus environment, encouraging institutions to take proactive measures against relationship violence while equipping them to respond effectively to incidents when they arise. This initiative is further supported by the framework developed by Futures Without Violence and the Avon Foundation for Women, promoting healthy relationship norms and behaviors across campuses.

Overall, the Gulf Coast Campus Safety Summit stands as a critical platform for advancing safety and prevention in academic settings.