Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This has been an important focus for us at Columbia. Last summer our District taskforce updated the BOE policy and collected important resources for staff and administrators (see the list below). 

In addition, we made sure to highlight our Title IX process in this year's Student/Family Handbook (page 8). Today, we also will showcase the great work of Learning for Justice in this field. 

Center Survivors: A Resource for Families and Educators in Responding to Sexual Violence

When a young person experiences sexual assault, a survivor-centered approach—from parents, caregivers, educators and everyone involved in the survivor’s life—is essential. Effective communication is critical to the well-being of young survivors, but because of restrictive laws and policies, many K-12 students are not receiving sex education that includes important lessons on consent, personal boundaries and sexual violence.

This new Learning for Justice article outlines strategies for supporting survivors and their families, including general guidance, terms and definitions to create a common understanding of sexual violence, and links to related resources and advocacy organizations. The information and recommendations provided here can be a starting point on what will be a longer journey for everyone involved when a young person experiences a sexual assault.

Read more here.

What If My Student Discloses a Sexual Assault? In this LFJ article, two crisis experts at the National Association of School Psychologists offer professional guidance for navigating the difficult task of responding to student reports of sexual assault. Teachers must “balance the role of a caring confidant with the role of a mandatory reporter. Both roles require putting the child’s welfare ahead of the educator’s discomfort.” Read more here. Resources for Addressing Sexual Assault and Harassment in Class Whether the conversation is started by educators or students, classroom discussions of sexual assault and harassment are an important way to inform and protect young people. This LFJ article lists resources on topics related to sexual violence, from rape culture to sexist language to physical and online harassment and beyond. Read more here.

Resource Spotlight Policy Checkup: Addressing and Preventing Sexual Assault in Schools

Professional Development Opportunities

Professional Learning Workshops LFJ offers virtual open-enrollment professional learning workshops for current K-12 classroom teachers, administrators and counselors, and for anyone who coaches classroom teachers and administrators. Spring workshops are now open. Check out our list of available workshops and register today! Professional Learning Institutes This summer, LFJ will host two Professional Learning Institutes: low-cost, weeklong, immersive, place-based learning experiences that will support educators’ capacities to implement social justice education in their practice. Learn more about the institutes and how to apply here.

SOMSD District Taskforce Resources

1. Resources from our DOH Partners:

1. NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault: https://njcasa.org/find-help/ 

1. 24-hour statewide hotline: 1800-601-7200

2. Each program supports survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones with services that include, but are not limited to:

1. Confidential, anonymous 24-hour crisis hotline

2. Short-term individual and group counseling and support groups

3. Referrals for long-term counseling

4. Accompaniment to forensic exams, police interviews, and court proceedings

5. Community education presentations

6. Access to language services

2. Office of the Prevention of Violence Against Women

1. Administers state and federal funds to county-based sexual violence prevention programs, Rutgers University, and the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault

2. Provides technical assistance to sexual violence programs

3. Collaborates with government and non-government agencies to ensure the compassionate treatment of all survivors, and to plan, implement and evaluate sexual violence prevention strategies.

4. Programs (DOW@dcf.state.nj.us or at 609-888-7164)

1. Rape Prevention and Education Program.

2. Sexual Assault, Abuse and Rape Care Program

3. Governors Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence

1. Governor's Advisory Council Against Sexual Violence
   New Jersey Department of Children and Families
   Division on Women, CC#210
   PO Box 717
   Trenton, NJ 08625-0717

2. Jacqueline Sanchez-Perez, MSW, LSW, Deputy Director (Phone:  (609) 888-7164)

4. NJ Mental Health Cares Helpline: 866-202-HELP (4357) or text NJHOPE to 51684

5. Peer to Peer Support: can be reached by calling 1877-760-4987 or 1866-445-3902

1. New Extended hours M-F 11am-2pm

2. This is not a crisis line. If you are in crisis, call 911

6. Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris: 973-509-9777

2. Additional Resources

1. Save of Essex County Sexual Violence Services at 60 Fullerton Ave Suite 109, Montclair

1. 877-733-2273- hotline

2. 973-746-0800- office

3. Familyserviceleague.org

2. Local facilitator -- Advocates for Youth & their 3 Rs: Rights, Respect, Responsibility

3. Video Resource -- Amaze (especially middle school)

4. CHS is looking to add Character Strong S&EL lessons next year and some may work in this regard.

5. CommonSenseMedia has a digital citizenship program too