
For Families, Friends and Supporters
Entering college can be an extremely exciting time for you and your family. There are many transitions, experiences, and friends to look forward to. The Office of Prevention and Advocacy is available to offer support.
Dating and domestic violence is a community issue meaning that we all know a survivor and share a responsibility to end this harm. Although these topics are heavy and sensitive, it is important to engage our students and provide them with support. Survivors deserve our empathy and care.听
Support is available. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Office of Prevention at 973-596-2664.
It is important to check in with yourself first 鈥 do you have the emotional space to intently listen to the survivor without any judgment, interruption, or opinion?
Awareness is important as it helps you to determine if you can provide care for both yourself and the survivor in the moment. You may find yourself overwhelmed with school, personal matters, or other life events as a college peer - it鈥檚 okay! If you find yourself wanting to , remember the most important things 鈥 listen, believe them, and help them access information on support services.
- Remember that you are there as a support system. It is not your responsibility to determine what choices the survivor should make, if they should disclose their story to someone else, if they should file a report, etc. rather it is our duty to listen, respond with care, and allow survivors to self-determine.
- 鈥淚 believe you.鈥
- 鈥淚鈥檓 here to support you; what do you need?鈥
- 鈥淲hat happened to you was not okay and I want to make sure you are safe. Do you need me to call someone?鈥
- 鈥淒o you want me to walk with you to the Prevention Specialist?鈥
It is important to first check in with yourself 鈥 what feelings am I experiencing right now as I am being provided this information? Are these feelings clouding my ability to show up for my child? Do I notice myself wanting to interrogate?
- It can be very difficult as a parent or guardian to know that your child is experiencing dating or sexual violence. It is also important to remember that the experience is of your child鈥檚, and they are currently seeking support from you. Support requires empathy, listening, and .
- Refrain from engaging in bias questioning and drawing conclusions.
- Provide a safe space where your child can disclose and offer them both campus and local resources.
- Tell your child that you believe them and that you are with them through every step of this healing journey.
- If you want more information and support on this topic, please contact the Prevention Specialist.
You can guide your friend to our for additional information on campus, local, and national services. You can also provide information regarding safety planning. Safety planning helps survivors to brainstorm ways to stay safe that may also help reduce the risk of future harm. Both and the offer safety plans and tips for survivors. Remember one of the most valuable resources you can provide your friend is making sure that they are safe and feel listened to.
Yes, the Office of Prevention and Advocacy can safety plan with you as well as provide you a physical copy of our safety plan with information, resources, and a space to jot important contact information in the event your phone dies. For more information on safety planning, please come to Office of Prevention and Advocacy's office - Campus Center Room 289.
Absolutely! It鈥檚 important for you to feel comfortable. You are more than welcome to bring a friend or two.
If you would like to meet with the Prevention Specialist, please contact brittany.gaviria@njit.edu or call 973-596-2664 to schedule a meeting.
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For additional information on supporting survivors, please visit these websites: