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.