Educators, you play an important role in creating a supportive campus climate for your students.
You have the power and responsibility to provide Survivors with a safe classroom that allows them to grow and succeed.
How can you help?
WRITE A LETTER
Inform your University about Restore Dignity assistance
REFER A STUDENT
Inform a student Survivor about Restore Dignity assistance
SUPPORT A SURVIVOR
Explore resources below to help you effectively support Survivors
Write a Letter
Call on your University Administrators to Act
Write your university Administrators to inform them about Restore Dignity assistance.
Refer a Student
Notify Students of Assistance Opportunities with Restore Dignity
If you are a high school academic counselor and know that a student who will be attending college within a year of experiencing sexual violence, inform them of Restore Dignity and the potential assistance opportunities.
Even if a Survivor chooses not to apply for Restore Dignity assistance, it can be highly beneficial knowing that there are people who want to help Survivors succeed post violence.
Support a Student Survivor
Ways you can support a student Survivor:
- Educate yourself on the psychologic responses to sexual violence. Understanding the trauma response will aid in communicating and interacting with student victims.
- Understand your school’s policy on mandatory reporting, and communicate any reporting responsibilities you may have to students if they attempt to report sexual violence to you.
- If you are a mandatory reporter, provide the Survivor with alternative contacts that can ensure confidentiality with their story, if that is what is needed.
- If a student discloses an experience of sexual violence with you it is important to remember that your reaction may heavily influence a Survivor’s next steps of healing or action. (See general support page)
- Notify students of mental health services offered on campus, and any accommodations they can receive at their university through the Accessibility/ Disability office.
- Inform and encourage your students to consider scholarship options with Restore Dignity
- If you are aware of any Survivors of sexual violence in your classes, offer to provide any additional academic accommodations they may benefit from (extensions on assignments, leniency on attendance, offering online options)
Potential signs that a student experienced or is experiencing sexual violence:
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- Increased absence in class
- Missing assignments or tests
- Difficulty focusing in class
- Withdrawal of participation or discussion
- Overall drop in academic performance
- Withdrawal in participation of extra-curricular activities
- Unusual irritability or mood swings
Resources for Educators:
http://www.aauw.org/2015/04/24/title-ix-coordinator-resources/
http://tobecomeateacher.org/resources/sexual-assault-prevention-guide/
https://www.justice.gov/ovw/protecting-students-sexual-assault
http://www.aauw.org/2014/04/14/fight-campus-sexual-violence/
https://www.knowyourix.org/for-friends-and-fami/tips-teachers-professors/
