Hotvedt hired as violence prevention specialist

Carmen Hotvedt, a former educator with the Sexual Assault Education and Prevention Program at the University of Toledo, is the new violence prevention specialist at University Health Services (UHS).

A native of Helena, Mont., Hotvedt begins the position Nov. 15.

The position, which previously focused on relationship violence issues such as domestic abuse and sexual assault, has been expanded to encompass all forms of violence that affect the university community, including problems between friends or roommates, alcohol-related violence, racial intimidation or harassment, and fan conduct at athletic events.

“We need to start thinking about the spectrum of violence as a public, community problem that affects every individual, rather than as isolated incidents that affect only those involved,” she says.

Hotvedt comes to the UW from the United Way of Dane County, where she served as project coordinator of the 2-1-1 program, putting members of the community in touch with social services resources.

She has also served as volunteer coordinator at the YWCA of Greater Toledo’s Battered Women’s Shelter and as Child Advocacy Coordinator at the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in Helena.

“UHS has a long history of working on violence prevention with students, faculty and staff at the university,” says Daña Alder, manager of the Campus Community Partnerships Team at UHS.

“This is a critical issue for student health,” Alder adds. “We believe that the entire community has a stake in violence prevention, and Carmen’s experience and skills are a terrific addition to our community’s efforts.”