Ask Ava, Episode 180: “Is it sexual assault to pressure someone into sexual activity?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
“How Unconditional Positive Regard Transforms Classrooms”
Article about one method of working with students in a trauma-informed way.
Counseling Services at Safe+Sound Somerset
Information about adult and youth individual counseling. Includes a description of our K.I.T.E. (Knowledge, Inspiration, Togetherness, Empowerment) support group for adult survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Fast Facts abou PrEP and PEP
Flyer explaining two medications and how to contact a counselor. PrEP is a medication that is 99% effective at preventing HIV transmission via sex and 74% via injection drug use when taken as directed.
Ask Ava, Episode 179: “Why don’t people believe victims or survivors of sexual assault?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video – Ask Ava, Episode 179: “Why don’t people believe victims or survivors of sexual assault?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 178: “What if I remember abuse from when I was younger, and I need support now?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 177: Ask Ava Anything! – “Why is it hard for male survivors to ask for help?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video – Ask Ava, Episode 177: Ask Ava Anything! – “Why is it hard for male survivors to ask for help?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Partnering with Faith Family Health Care for Survivors
Partnering with Faith Family Health Care for Survivors Safe+Sound Somerset’s Manager of Community Outreach & Education, Victor Peralta, spent two days in late July training the doctors, nurses and other healthcare and office staff at Family Faith Health Care (FFHC) in North Plainfield about Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and the evidence-based HARK screening tool for IPV. IPV can have short and long-term impacts on physical health outcomes, contributing to higher rates of depression and anxiety, suicide ideation, substance abuse, and high blood...
Ask Ava, Episode 176: “Why is it harmful to expect my partner to always answer texts?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Resources for Survivors of Stalking and Cyberstalking
Article about what stalking is, examples including cyberstalking, and how to get help. From Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Ask Ava, Episode 175: “What kind of trouble do people get into for crimes like sexual assault?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Preventing Self-harm in Teens: A Guide for Appropriate Intervention
Article about what self-harm looks like and how family and educators can help.
Narcissism and Abuse
An article that discusses how a mental health disorder does not mean that a person is abusive, and how, no matter what, partners have choices over the way they treat their partners.
Video – Ask Ava, Episode 174: “If my friend is scared, can I report sexual harassment to the school?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 174: “If my friend is scared, can I report sexual harassment to the school?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 173: “What if people blame me for having a developed body?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 172: Ask Ava Anything! – “What if my partner threatens suicide if I leave?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video – Ask Ava, Episode 172: Ask Ava Anything! – “What if my partner threatens suicide if I leave?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 171: “What should I do if my partner threatens to hurt my family?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Ep. 168: Ask Ava Anything! – “What if my partner threatens to ‘out’ me?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video – Ask Ava, Ep. 168: Ask Ava Anything! – “What if my partner threatens to ‘out’ me?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Abuso Sexual Infantil
Un recurso para padres y cuidadores que enfrentan el abuso sexual infantil de un niño que aman
11 Ways to Create a Safe Home as a Survivor of Domestic Violence
Article from Today's Homeowner describing the process of moving house, with a long list of resources for DV survivors.
Ask Ava, Episode 170: “How do I get rid of guilt I feel for saying ‘no’ to sex?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 170 – “How do I get rid of guilt I feel for saying ‘no’ to sex?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
F.R.I.E.S. Consent Flyer
An easy-to-understand flyer about consent for sexual activity with Safe+Sound Somerset helpline tear-offs.
Ask Ava, Episode 169: “What if I love my partner, and I don’t want to leave?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 169 -“What if I love my partner, and I don’t want to leave?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 167: “What if I still have to see the person who sexually assaulted me?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Stressed? One-Minute Strategies
One-minute exercises to help you relax.
Ten Things You Can Do for Your Mental Health
List from University of Michigan's Health Service.
Verywell Mind Podcast
Tips for healing, improving your well-being, and cultivating mental strength.
Trans Men and Domestic Abuse: Let’s Talk About It
Video discussing how transgender men experience domestic abuse, and resources for support.
Ask Ava, Episode 166: “What if I told my parents about abuse, but they didn’t do anything?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Safety Tips for Summer Camp
Article for parents and guardians by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) to reduce the risk of sexual violence and what to do if a child reports abuse.
Safe+Sound Somerset Servicios 2023
Gratis y confidencial servicios gratuitos y confidenciales para ninos, adolescentes y adultos.
Flyer – Safe+Sound Somerset Services 2023
Free and confidential services for children, teens, and adults.
Folleto – Equipo de Respuesta al Estrangulamiento y Asfixia No-Fatal (NFSSRT por sus siglas en ingles)
Information about this free Safe+Sound service, which provides support to survivors 13+.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 165 -“What can bystanders do if they see sexual harassment in public?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 165: “What can bystanders do if they see sexual harassment in public?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Celebrating Queer Love
Everyone deserves to be safe in a relationship. It’s not your fault if someone, like a partner, chooses to use your identity (including gender and/or sexual orientation) against you. Queer people’s rights should not be debatable. Safe+Sound Somerset stands strongly against stigma, violence, and abuse against all who identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or queer. We also stand firmly against the 490+ anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently being debated across the United States, according to the ACLU. Safe+Sound Somerset is here for you. ...
Ask Ava, Episode 164: “What if I consented to sexual activity, but I didn’t know what I was agreeing to?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
“What is Considered Sexual Assault?”
An informational guide about sexual assault by Florin and Roebig Trial Attorneys.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 163 – Ask Ava Anything! – “Should I watch adult content so I know what partners expect of me?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 163: Ask Ava Anything! – “Should I watch adult content so I know what partners expect of me?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
“The Manosphere and its Impact on Violence Prevention”
The “Manosphere,” a play on the word “blogosphere,” is a loose collection of online blogs, websites, social media threads, influencers, and vlogs “where users share their bigoted, sexist, and toxic view of society in general and masculinity and femininity in particular”.¹ A primary purpose of many of these groups being online harassment and glorifying violence against women. Violence prevention researchers identify four main subgroups within the manosphere: Men’s Rights Activists (MRAs) advocate for policy and systemic change that benefit men. They...
Video: Ask Ava SPECIAL! -“What is the purpose of your Safe House?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Ask Ava SPECIAL!: “What is the purpose of your Safe House?”
A short podcast episode where we give real answers to real questions from teens and young adults about relationships, consent, dating violence, and more.
Brochure – Non-fatal Strangulation and Smothering Response Team (NFSSRT)
Information about this free Safe+Sound service, which provides support to survivors 13+.
Ask Ava, Episode 162: “What if I want to break up, but I rely on my partner’s money?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
“What Happens When I Request Counseling Services?”
If you or your family members have experienced domestic or sexual violence, you can call or text our 24/7 hotline at 866-685-1122 to be referred for counseling at Safe+Sound Somerset. Our clinicians are committed to supporting you through the many challenges faced due to abuse. Our highly trained clinicians are licensed compassionate professionals ready to tailor counseling to best meet your needs. Services are offered both in person and virtually and in English and Spanish to increase accessibility for all....
Amaze – Real Sex Ed for teens (videos)
Videos providing young teens around the globe with medically accurate, age-appropriate, affirming, and honest sex education they can access directly online. Supports for parents and teachers.
“What is Sexual Assault?”
Cartoon video for teens about what sexual assault is and how to get help. From Amaze.org
“Sexual Abuse Can Happen to Anyone”
Cartoon video for teens about reaching out to a sexual abuse helpline, featuring a male survivor. From Amaze.org
Ask Ava, Episode 161: “What if my partner is disappointed because I don’t want to have sex?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
“But What About False Reports?”
Article from Safe+Sound Somerset staff including the low stats about false reports, and how believing survivors is important to ending sexual and domestic violence. "If our community’s initial response to someone revealing sexual violence is a concern about it being a false report, we are dismissing the experiences of survivors and making it harder for them to seek support and justice. "
Ask Ava, Episode 160: “What if someone lies about using birth control?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Unpacking Trauma-Informed Teaching
Article from "Cult of Pedagogy" blog about the basics of trauma and how teachers and school staff can incorporate trauma-informed strategies.
Ask Ava, Episode 159: Ask Ava Anything! Questions from April 2023
A special episode of Ask Ava where we answer three questions from this month: -"If something isn't about sex, why is it considered sexual harassment?" - specifically gay slurs and asking someone out over and over -"What if my partner gets aggressive when they drink, and they apologize after?" -"Why don't they just dump them? They're toxic!"
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 159: Ask Ava Anything! Questions from April 2023
A special monthly episode of Ask Ava where we answer 3 questions from teens and young adults this month: -"If something isn't about sex, why is it considered sexual harassment?" - specifically gay slurs and asking someone out over and over -"What if my partner gets aggressive when they drink, and they apologize after?" -"Why don't they just dump them? They're toxic!"
#WhatIWish – A Healing Journey for Victims and Survivors
Healing exercise that offers an opportunity for survivors and allies to engage in self-care and healing while raising awareness about the dangers of child sexual abuse material. From Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
5 Red Flags and 5 Tips to Protect Your Child Online
Article about talking with children and protections to take about child sexual abuse online. From Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Ask Ava, Episode 158: “What if I’m afraid to tell anyone about someone sexually assaulting me?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
“Teaching Consent Doesn’t Have to be Hard”
Article with suggestions for teaching about consent. From the Southern Poverty Law Center's Learning for Justice.
“Center Survivors: A Resource for Families and Educators in Responding to Sexual Violence”
Article with advice for supporting young people who experience sexual violence.
Stalking and Sexual Violence – Infographic
Stats and information about how these 2 types of violence often connect. Produced by Stalking Prevention, Awareness and Resource Center (SPARC)
Sexual Violence and Stalking video – from SPARC
A video about the connection between these two topics, which can assist service providers and legal professionals. From Stalking Prevention, Awareness & Resource Center (SPARC).
2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health by The Trevor Project
Study with statistics and information about supporting LGBTQ+ youth, who are at high risk for suicidal ideation, and higher risk for dating violence because of how others mistreat them.
Webinar – Living on the Intersections: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People of Color
View a 1 hour recording of a webinar from 3/30/23. NTTAC is the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health.
“5 Things about Queer Intimate Partner Violence You Should Know”
From a young queer survivor - geared towards adults and parents/professionals/providers.
“Safe Relationships” – By Queer Youth, For Queer Youth
Guide for safe relationships made by Queer Youth Assemble.
Ask Ava, Episode 157: “When does overprotection become abuse?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Making a Safety Plan, from The Deaf Hotline
Information for survivors about internet, email, social media, and cell phone safety. Also: safety planning with children and pets.
How “The Notebook” Romanticizes Abuse
Article from JBWS (Morris County domestic violence organization) looking at a popular book/movie and signs of abuse.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 156: “What if my partner is sharing private photos of me without my permission?”
Video version of our Ask Ava podcast, for teens and those who care about them.
Ask Ava, Episode 156: “What if my partner is sharing private photos of me without my permission?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Digital Safety Wheel for victims and survivors
Handout for victims and survivors to figure out their tech safety level.
Nonconsensual Tracking and Personal Trackers
Short guide to understanding different kinds of trackers, how to disable them, and how to figure out if you're being tracked. From Endtab.org (Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse)
“Stop Sextortion” – PSA for youth
Video focused on youth for talking to friends about what sextortion is.
4 Digital Safety Resources in 20+ Languages
4 digital safety resources from some amazing organizations around the world that focus on victims’ digital safety. Languages: Spanish, French, Arabic, Italian, Urdu, Farsi, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and more.
Ask Ava, Episode 155: “How can you tell someone to back off without hurting their feelings or the relationship?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Information about Denim Day
Read about Denim Day, a campaign on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This article explains why Denim Day exists from a particular court case in Italy in 1992.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Intake and Family Advocacy
An article describing what to expect during the intake process at Safe+Sound and our family advocacy program.
Lean On Me guidebook: for caregivers and educators
Children often don't have the words to disclose that they have been sexually abused, or choose to remain silent because they fear they won't be believed. The guidebook is designed to inform, guide, and educate caregivers to safeguard children from online and in-person grooming, help create a safe space to support and validate a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse, and be a healing presence for them in the event sexual abuse has occurred. From RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National...
Lean On Me videos: A Caregiver’s Guide to supporting children healing from sexual abuse
Children often don't have the words to disclose that they have been sexually abused, or choose to remain silent because they fear they won't be believed. This series is designed to inform, guide, and educate caregivers to safeguard children from online and in-person grooming, help create a safe space to support and validate a child’s disclosure of sexual abuse, and be a healing presence for them in the event sexual abuse has occurred. From RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National...
Ask Ava, Episode 154: “What’s the difference between love bombing and someone genuinely wanting to make me happy?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Video: Ask Ava, Episode 154: “What’s the difference between love bombing, and someone genuinely wanting to make me happy?”
Video version of our Ask Ava podcast, for teens and those who care about them.
Ask Ava, Episode 153: “What if someone keeps making fun of my sexual orientation?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
Safety Net Project – technology safety for survivors of violence
Website with tech safety tips, stalkerware, location tracking, phone safety, online privacy, personal data privacy, connected devices in your home, and apps. Also has information about tech safety with sexual assault, and teens with technology.
Mental Health is Health
Website that can help you or when you're supporting a friend. Tips for taking care of your mental health and helping you feel your best.
Teen Dating Violence in the Black Community
Fact sheet by Ujima - National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community
Ask Ava, Episode 152: “What does blackmail from a partner look like in real life?”
A short podcast episode geared towards teens and those who care about teens.
What Happens When I Need Legal Help for Domestic or Sexual Violence?
Safe+Sound blog post about reaching out for legal help through our organization. How to contact us, what to expect when you speak with an advocate, and additional basic information about restraining orders.
Survivor Love Letter
Survivor Love Letter was started by filmmaker and activist Tani Ikeda, who penned a letter to her younger self that ended with the words: “this is my survivor love letter.” This is a Survivor Love Letter from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).
Self-Care Tips for Survivors
Continuously updated list of self-care tips from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network).
Myths and Facts: Sexual abuse of boys and men
Information from 1 in 6, a support center for male victims and survivors.
List of chat rooms and message boards for survivors
From Womenslaw.org. Please keep safety in mind as you are using these resources. Only some of them are moderated and screened. Many of the message and discussion boards can be accessed by anyone on the Internet. Never post your real name or contact information to a chatroom or message board.
Educator Tools: Human Trafficking Awareness
Website with videos and community awareness toolkit by NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
