UW staff member receives award from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault

For her dedication to ending sexual violence, Carmen Hotvedt, a violence prevention specialist for University Health Services at UW–Madison, has been honored with a 2012 Voices of Courage Award from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA). 

Each year WCASA, in partnership with 46 sexual assault service providers throughout the state, formally recognizes and honors the outstanding work of Wisconsin individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to stop sexual violence. The Annual Voices of Courage Awards are given in eight categories, and Hotvedt will be honored for her work under the category of Prevention Educations.

It was through her leadership skills at UW–Madison that Hotvedt earned this award. By successfully securing a Department of Justice grant, she was able to develop “EVOC” (End Violence on Campus). This campus wide prevention program is a formalization of partnerships among 20 campus and community organizations to address sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking on campus.

Hotvedt’s influence on campus can also be seen outside of her work with EVOC. She fosters a listening environment for survivors of sexual violence by working closely with law enforcement, campus disciplinary officers, hearing panel members and student organizations to ensure victims’ stories are heard and perpetrators are held accountable.

Off campus, Hotvedt willingly provides her expertise to statewide agencies and coalitions. She also works closely with community partners to assure seamless and transparent services to victims of abuse.

– By Kylie Peterson