Prevention
Education programs for schools
We provide education programs to schools within our service area (Bond, Clay, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette, Hamilton, Jefferson, Marion, Washington, Wayne, and White Counties in South-Central Illinois) free of charge. All of our programs are age-appropriate, and cover different issues concerning sexual abuse and assault risk factors. Our body safety programs cover the state-mandated Erin's Law requirement for all public schools.
Elementary School Programs
- Body Safety
- Internet Safety
- Social Emotional Learning
Junior High Programs
- What Middle Schoolers Need to Know about
Consent, Harassment, and Sexual Assault (Junior
High Body Safety)
- Internet Safety/Sexting
- Social Emotional Learning
High School Programs
- What High Schoolers Need to Know about Consent,
Harassment, and Sexual Assault (High School Body
Safety)
- Sexting
Other programs on issues concerning sexual violence can be provided on an as-needed basis.
Education programs for community organizations
We provide education programs to any interested community organization free of charge. In the past, we have spoken to churches, auxiliary groups, boy and girl scout troops, local chamber meetings, and more.
Topics we often speak on include:
- Human trafficking
- Sexual harassment
- Internet safety (for kids or parents)
- Body safety
- Protecting kids from sexual abuse
- Summary of SAFE services
If your organization is interested in having a SAFE presentation, contact us at 618-283-1414.
Professional Training
At SAFE, we believe one of the best ways to prevent sexual violence, as well as care for survivors in a way that promotes healing, is by working together with other professionals across a variety of professions to create an environment that is trauma-informed and victim-centered. We provide training on issues surrounding sexual abuse, harassment, assault, and trauma to any interested individual professional or organization. We work with school staff, daycare workers, medical and mental health professionals, and other groups to ensure that they feel confident when working with individuals and survivors.
If your organization is interested in receiving professional training, please contact us at 618-283-1414. All trainings are provided free of charge, and are tailored to meet the needs of your organization. We want to work with you to create a safer world for everyone.
Safer Bars
Alcohol is the most frequently used date rape drug. What was intended to be a fun night out can turn into someone's worst nightmare when alcohol is used to incapacitate and impair the victim's judgement. When this happens in a public space, such as a bar or restaurant, there are warning signs to watch for and ways for staff to intervene to prevent the assault from taking place.
Safer Bars is a program designed to educate bars and other establishments in the service industry on bystander intervention techiques to reduce alcohol-related sexual violence. Bystander intervention encourages staff to take an active role in prevention instead of assuming someone else will deal with the problem.
Establishments that participate in Safer Bars training will become Safer Bars Certified for one year from the training date, and can renew their certification annually by having a trainer come in to review the material. Being a Safer Bars Certified establishment is something your business can proudly display, letting patrons know you care about their safety.
Safer Bars training takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and can be done either virtually or in person. This training is provided free of charge to participating establishments. To learn more about the Safer Bars training, contact us at 618-283-1414.
Assistance with policy change and development
Creating new policies and adapting existing ones to meet current legal standards and the needs of your organization can be challenging. We are always available to help with policy and procedure development and changes free of charge. Whether you need to update your sexual harassment policy, or implement a new trauma-informed procedure, we are here to help. We can work with you to create a policy that works for you and the individuals that you serve. If you need advice, or would like to work with our team, please contact us at 618-283-1414.
Rescuing Each Other
SAFE's "Rescuing Each Other" program is a heartwarming initiative aimed at pairing shelter animals with individuals needing emotional support. Through this program, SAFE finds loving homes for these animals and provides invaluable companionship and emotional assistance to those who may be struggling. By carefully matching each animal with a person based on their needs and preferences, SAFE ensures that both the animal and the individual can benefit from this unique bond. Additionally, SAFE partners with a skilled dog trainer to prepare the pups for their new roles as emotional support animals, ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the positive impact they can have on their new companions' lives. Through "Rescuing Each Other," SAFE saves animals and offers comfort and support to those in need, creating lasting connections that enrich lives on both ends of the leash.
Red Dot Project
The Red Dot Project, an initiative by SAFE, is designed to provide discreet assistance to victims. Recognizing the critical need for secrecy in seeking help from abusive situations. The project ensures that individuals can reach out for aid without alerting their abusers. Initially implemented in medical facilities the project will be expanding into hair salons.
Your support can make a difference
Consider contributing as little or as much as you can. Every dollar donated goes toward keeping our programs.
