DURHAM, N.H. – The Prevention Innovations Research Center (PIRC) at the University of New Hampshire recognized the work of Kate Rohdenburg, a program director with WISE, a community-based program in the Upper Valley that works to end gender-based violence, with its PIRC Practitioner Award. 

“Kate is an extraordinary person,” said Peggy O’Neil, executive director of WISE. “Her passion for and activism to end gender-based violence transcends her role at WISE. This is her calling as a person and as a professional. She is a tireless and passionate prevention practitioner and activist.”

The award recognizes individuals for their vision and leadership in ending gender-based violence, including sexual and relationship violence and stalking. It was established in 2015 to honor individual accomplishments, rather than the work of an organization.

“I am deeply honored by the nomination from my colleagues at WISE,” said Rohdenburg. “I feel so fortunate to be able to work in a field that is changing the world, and can’t imagine a more important cause for my personal and professional life. I am enormously grateful to PIRC for their work providing evidence to support practice, and recognition of practitioners in New Hampshire.”

Jane Stapleton, executive director of practice at PIRC, said “We value deeply the work that advocates and other practitioners do every day to keep victims and their children safe, to help survivors to heal and to help communities to eradicate sexual and domestic violence. These practitioners and programs, like Kate and WISE, make a difference every day.”

Sharyn Potter, PIRC executive director of research added, “We are so happy to be able to shine a spotlight on someone for her many talents, recognizing that what someone does - often quietly or behind the scenes - makes a tremendous difference to communities, individuals and families throughout the state.”

PIRC is internationally recognized for its collaborative research and community engagement focusing on sexual and relationship violence and stalking prevention and response. It conducts scholarly, cutting-edge research that informs policy and practice and convenes practitioners and researchers to develop strategies for evidence-based, innovative approaches to violence prevention. In addition, PIRC’s team of researchers and practitioners provide training for university, military and community practitioners, mentor students, support community-based practitioners, and advise institutions.

WISE is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting people and communities impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. WISE leads the Upper Valley to end gender-based violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education and mobilization for social change. WISE offers a confidential and free 24-hour crisis line, peer support groups and workshops, emergency shelter and transitional housing, safety planning and accompaniment to hospitals, police stations, court houses and other social service agencies. The Prevention and Education Program works with youth, professionals, and the community to develop relevant and comprehensive prevention strategies. WISE is committed to engaging everyone in learning to recognize and eliminate the root causes of violence. WISE believes in empowerment and knows that individuals make their best decisions when they have information and support.