DES MOINES, Iowa — Four area colleges and universities will share a $510,000 federal grant for a project to reduce violence against women.

The project, titled “Central Iowa Colleges’ Coordinated Response,” was submitted to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.

The Central Iowa Colleges’ consortium proposal is one of 45 grants awarded to higher education institutions across the nation.

Drake University, Mercy College of Health Sciences, Grand View University and Simpson College will partner with community organizations like Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services to “strengthen and formalize education, policies, procedures and messaging to prevent and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.