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. As NJIT’s confidential resource for intimate partner violence, the Office of Prevention and Advocacy is committed to prevention education and creating a community that prioritizes respect, dignity, and well-being.
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. By encouraging conversations and questions around relationships, sex, communication and boundaries, we begin to dismantle the cycle of silence. At the center of supporting a survivor, student, or however 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 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.
The Prevention Specialist is not involved in any part of the Title IX process in terms of formal resolutions, investigations, and cannot provide supportive measures and resources. The Prevention Specialist is an Informal Resolution Facilitator meaning she provides mediation, educational conversations, or restorative justice to students who agree to an informal resolution. The Prevention Specialist can advocate and connect students with the Title IX Coordinator for supportive measures and resources when consent has been provided by the student. The Prevention Specialist can accompany students when they speak with the Title IX Coordinator for additional support as well.
Yes! Both areas have worked together on developing workshops for students, staff, and faculty as well as larger initiatives to bring awareness to topics of interpersonal and intimate partner violence.
You can expect support and empathetic listening! The Prevention Specialist is here to provide information, resources, and help as you navigate your experience. To find the Prevention Specialist, please visit the Campus Center Room 289.
The Prevention Specialist 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 (i.e., danger to self, danger to others, concern of child abuse), the Prevention Specialist will inform the student that other campus or external partners must be notified.
It is important to first check in with yourself – 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’s okay! 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, if they should file a report, 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 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’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 Office of Prevention and Advocacy's office - Campus Center Room 289.
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.