University counselor recognized for supporting students, staff affected by violence
GRAND FORKS – CVIC at UND, a collaboration between Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) and the University of North Dakota, named Brenda Satrom the 2022 recipient of the UND Changemaker Award. The honor recognizes Satrom’s impact and efforts to raise awareness about relationship and sexual violence prevention while supporting those affected.
An alumnus of the University of North Dakota, Satrom is a licensed professional clinical counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor with more than 30 years of experience. In 2021, she returned to her alma mater as a member of the University Counseling Center, where she quickly began making an impact in the lives of students. Known for integrating various therapy techniques to best serve her clients, Satrom is dedicated to providing a safe healing space to support those she treats. The student who nominated Satrom for the award cited her warmth and kindness, saying Satrom “cultivates a compassionate space that truly focuses on students.”
A 2019 survey from the Association of American Universities found that approximately 13% of the 182,000 college and graduate student respondents reported nonconsensual sexual contact on campus. Reports from other agencies and organizations suggest that more than a quarter of female undergraduates and almost 7% of male undergrads experience rape or sexual assault during their college career. These numbers magnify the impact and importance for Satrom’s work and that of her colleagues across the country.
“Ending relationship violence and sexual assault requires action on multiple fronts,” said Coiya Tompkins, president and CEO of CVIC. “People like Brenda who go out of their way to raise awareness about this kind of violence and find meaningful ways to support those who have been affected are the catalysts for change that our society needs. She is a true changemaker, and this award is much deserved.”
To learn more about CVIC at UND, visit www.und.edu/student-life/violence/cvic.html
About CVIC
With a bold, comprehensive approach, CVIC is a full-service domestic violence/sexual assault agency designed to disrupt cultural norms to end interpersonal violence in two generations. We deliver vital safety and healing services to adult and children experiencing violence and educate youth and professionals about how to prevent violence and develop healthy relationships. Serving tens of thousands of survivors and victims since 1980, CVIC has been leading regional violence intervention efforts with a nationally recognized, innovative model of collaboration. We employ more than 80 professionals who serve victims, survivors, and those who have used violence in personal relationships.