For Families, Friends, & 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. As NJIT’s confidential resource for sexual assault, intimate partner violence and stalking, the Office of Prevention and Advocacy is committed to prevention education and creating a community that prioritizes respect, dignity, and wellbeing.
Although these topics are heavy and sensitive, it is important to engage our students and help facilitate their learning. Every student deserves to have this conversation. By encouraging conversations and questions around relationships, sex, communication and boundaries, we begin to dismantle the cycle of silence.
Dating and domestic violence is a community issue meaning we all play a part in ending it. Students deserve support. It is on us not to revert to patterns of victim blaming, shaming, and judgment as this can hinder their healing process and severe relationship ties. At the center of supporting a survivor, student, or however else someone may choose to self-identity is empathy, listening, and believing.
Support is available. If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Office of Prevention at 973-596-2664.
The Office of Prevention and Advocacy is a confidential space meaning that the Prevention Specialist/Confidential Advocate is not required to report any identifying information or allegations of sexual misconduct to the university. The Title IX coordinator helps students by providing information on options and the Title IX process.
No, the Prevention Specialist/Confidential Advocate is not involved in any part of the Title IX process. The Prevention Specialist can accompany students when they speak with the Title IX Coordinator for support.
Yes! Both areas have worked together on developing workshops for students, staff, and faculty as well as larger initiatives to bring awareness to these topics.
You can expect support and for you to take the lead! The Prevention Specialist is here to provide empathetic listening, give information on options, and help in the ways that you need. Find OPA in Campus Center, room 289.
The Office of Prevention and Advocacy is not required to report any sexual misconduct and identifying information to the university. However, it is important to note that a student’s safety comes first. If there is any concern to safety, the Prevention Specialist will notify the student that other campus partners must be notified.
It is important to first check in with yourself – do you have the emotional space to intently hear the survivor without any judgment, interruption, or opinion? If the answer is no, that’s okay! Awareness is important and you may be overwhelmed with school, personal matters, or other life events as a college peer. If you find yourself wanting to support a friend and feel “unequipped” in the moment, remember that telling the survivor you believe them and offering them information on campus resources goes a long way.
- 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, etc. rather it is our duty to listen, respond with care, and allow survivors to self-determine.
- “I believe you.”
- “I’m here to support you; what do you need?”
- “What happened to you was not okay and I want to make sure you are safe. Do you need me to call someone?”
- “Do you want me to walk with you to the Prevention Specialist?”
It is important to first check in with yourself – what feelings am I experiencing now that I know this information? Are these feelings clouding my ability to show up for my child?
- 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’s, and they are currently seeking support from you. Support requires empathy, listening, and responding with unconditional care.
- 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.
Absolutely! It’s important for you to feel comfortable. You are more than welcome to bring a friend or two.
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 OPA’s office located in Campus Center, room 289.
If you would like to meet with the Prevention Specialist/Confidential Advocate, please contact Brittany.gaviria@njit.edu or call 973-596-2664.