Violence Education team is collaborating with the 'JUST TALK' series and Women for Women International on the issue of human trafficking this semester.
The SAVE team, comprised of four administrators and six students, seeks to raise awareness through outreach and education and dedicate their time and efforts as advocates, according to Dean Rosario Reyes, who oversees the SAVE team at Seton Hall.
Reyes said members are screened and selected through an online application process. Selection is based on both the application and an interview.
Senior and student advocate Tamika Reed said she has been involved with SAVE since 2010.
"I initially became aware of the team when a representative came to speak about it during resident assistant training in the summer of 2010," Reed said. "I thought it was a great opportunity to get more involved in the campus community while dealing with issues such as sexual assault or sexual discrimination, which are very important."
The team works on a weekly basis answering the Essex County Rape Care Center Helpline.
"We have a relationship with the staff of Essex County Rape Care Center," Reyes said. "They provide our basic training and have also been guest speakers for our sessions this past semester."
According to Reyes, in addition to being trained they do outreach programming. Their outreach is often done by request, but also when the team identifies an opportunity to talk about the helpline services.
"You could say they are 24/7 educating our SHU community about SAVE," Reyes said.
The SAVE team also organizes programs on issues related to sexual assault and violence prevention, according to Reyes.
"We provide a free way for students to educate themselves or turn to in need of emergency assistance," Reed said. "We have a completely anonymous hotline that is 24 hours, seven days a week."
According to Reed, SAVE is not just for those who may have experienced something terrible. SAVE is here to answer any questions one may have on recognizing assault, how to take action, or just to lend a listening ear.
"We are in need of more awareness on our campus," Reyes said. "This is a very sensitive issue; however, people need to become aware and educated. And I mean everyone, not just women."
If interested in becoming a member of the SAVE team, information can be found through the Office of the Dean of Students and Community Development. Completed applications will be accepted until March 11.
Christopher Adams can be reached at christopher.adams@student.shu.edu.
