Prevention
Community Education and Prevention
Trained educators are available to train and educate health-care professionals, law enforcement officials, members of the clergy and other faith-based leaders, community organizations, corporations, and professional associations on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault. If you are interested in scheduling a training seminar for your group or workplace, please contact the Prevention Education Department at HAVEN by calling 248.334.1284, ext. 360, or request a speaker.
School Programs
A large part of the prevention strategy at HAVEN is focused on our partnerships with area schools. School programs are presented in the classroom in an age-appropriate manner and are designed to raise awareness and provide information on how gender roles and expectations, as well as our culture, influence dating violence and sexual assault. Students also learn about resources, risk reduction strategies, and bystander intervention. Staff in-services and parent information sessions are also available.
The Helping Kids Help Themselves (also called “Good Touch, Bad Touch”) curriculum is presented to students in kindergarten through second grade, since the average onset of child sexual abuse is between the ages of six and eight. The HAVEN mascot, Daisy, is often used in these presentations and helps the children understand personal safety and body ownership. Daisy also makes public appearances at various functions throughout southeastern Michigan.
An estimated 3.3–10 million children witness domestic violence at home each year. In response to these staggering figures, HAVEN created the Peace Begins At Home curriculum for children in grades 3–5. Educators focus on teaching children that it is never their fault if the grownups around them are violent, that there are things they can do to stay safe, and how to get help in an emergency.
Because bullying and sexual harassment have become so prevalent, the HAVEN Gender Respect program was created as a way to aid children in developing safe and respectful relationships with their peers. Students learn what behaviors constitute gender disrespect and actions they can take to protect themselves. This program is specifically designed for students in grades 3–5.
The Skills for Violence-Free Relationships program concentrates on raising middle school and high school students’ awareness of sexual assault, dating violence, and sexual harassment. Students are informed about the causes and consequences associated with violence. Presentations are given in a classroom setting over a one- to three-day period. The program identifies the societal myths surrounding rape and violence; the definition of sexual assault, power and control, consent, and coercion; information about date rape drugs; ways to support a friend; and how to seek help at HAVEN.
Schools requesting services are charged a nominal fee for this service.
To request a school presentation or to speak to someone directly, please contact the Prevention Education Department at 248.334.1284, ext. 360, or request a speaker.
Survivor Speakers Bureau
The purpose of the Survivor Speakers Bureau is to increase awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence through public speaking and education, and to create social change. Speakers Bureau members will speak to various groups and organizations, helping to counter myths and misperceptions about domestic violence and sexual assault that are prevalent within the community.
Share a Story
Are you a survivor of sexual assault or domestic violence who wants to use public speaking as a tool for social change? Explore how to use your story to help change perceptions about sexual assault and domestic violence. Learn how to counter myths and misconceptions, create dialogue and field questions. Most important, learn how to create safety for yourself before, during and after a speaking engagement. For more information, you can download an information packet here or contact Jennifer Pasquale at 248.334.1284, ext. 351, or by email at jpasquale@haven-oakland.org.
Hear a Story
Would your group or organization benefit from hearing directly from a survivor of domestic or sexual violence? Are you a member of the media looking to interview someone regarding their personal story of survival? If so, our specially trained Speakers Bureau is available for this type of request. To find out more or schedule a speaker, please contact Jennifer Pasquale at 248.334.1284, ext. 351, or by email at jpasquale@haven-oakland.org.
Intern and Volunteer Program
Our Intern Program recruits, trains and supervises students from a number of colleges and universities. Master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree candidates from a variety of human service professions (counseling, social work, psychology) receive practical experience in domestic violence, sexual assault, and child witness to violence treatment and prevention.
The Intern Program offers students opportunities to gain experience in interpersonal relationship practice, community outreach and administration. In addition to providing direct service, students are also instrumental in assisting with research, grant writing, public policy, and program development.
For more information, or to lend your time and talent to HAVEN, contact Belle Kleinberg Hornung at 248.334.1284, ext. 659, or by email at bkleinberg@haven-oakland.org.
HAVEN also offers employment opportunities. To learn about current job openings, or to submit your resume, click here.
Teen Advisory Council
The Teen Advisory Council is an opportunity for teens 13–17 years of age to get involved at HAVEN. The group typically meets twice a month and will receive training on domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault. They will also be working on projects related to the youth clients at HAVEN.
The Council is also a way for HAVEN to test out new programming and receive feedback from the members who will help HAVEN become more accessible to teens.
For more information, please contact Liz Oakes at 248.334.1284, ext. 674, or by email loakes@haven-oakland.org
The programs above focus primarily on prevention and education. To learn about HAVEN programs that provide help with other stages of crisis, please click on the links below.