SAFE (Sexual Assault Facilitation and Education) is a group of trained peer educators who are dedicated to cultivating conversations with their fellow students around topics such as relationship and sexual violence, supporting survivors, consent, interpersonal communication, and bystander intervention. The goal of the program is to eradicate sexual misconduct on Pitt’s campus and to promote healthy relationships.
The workshops are presented to members of student organizations, Greek Life, residence halls and more. SAFE is sponsored by the Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (OEDI). SAFE Peer Educators offer four workshops lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
Workshop Descriptions
- Bystander Education Training
-
This interactive program offers participants the opportunity to understand what it means to be an active bystander when they observe others in distressing or potentially harmful situations. Participants will begin to identify strategies and utilize communication skills necessary for intervention in situations they are concerned could be harmful to another person. Information about consent and student resources are also included.
- Healthy Relationships
-
This workshop includes activities and discussions that will help participants identify the characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships. Using inclusive scenarios and relevant examples, peer leaders will walk participants through a multitude of important topics surrounding relationship violence, stalking, possessive behaviors, and more. Information will also be provided for supporting peers who have been affected by dating violence or abuse.
- Talk Dirty to Me
-
This program offers a deep dive into consent- what consent is, why consent is important, and when it can and cannot be given. This program will include discussions on what makes for an uncomfortable sexual experience, as well as the elements needed for a good, mutually enjoyable sexual encounter. This workshop is highly interactive and gives participants a chance to build confidence in practicing consent through engaging activities.
- Survivor Support
-
This workshop provides participants with tools and a basic framework they can use to support survivors of sexual assault in their lives. This workshop covers how to support a survivor in a few simple steps and discusses resources available to survivors of sexual violence on campus as well as in the Greater Pittsburgh area.
Become a SAFE Peer Educator
Are you interested in joining SAFE as a peer educator? Take a moment to read more below about expectations. Applications are released in the spring and onboarding occurs at the beginning of fall semester.
- Requirements
-
If you want to connect with a current peer educator before applying, please email: SAFEStudentLeaders@pitt.edu.
SAFE Peer Educator Requirements
Dedicate at least one full year to the SAFE program. Peer educators officially join the SAFE program at the beginning of the fall semester Complete the SAFE Peer Educator Application (available in February 2023) Successfully complete an interview with SAFE advisors and/or leaders Attend all required orientation sessions (10-12 hours of training) Attend bi-weekly meetings with SAFE Facilitate at least four SAFE workshops each semester. Peer educators cannot have been found responsible for a violation of the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.
PEER2PEER –The SAFE Grant Program
SAFE and the Division of Student Affairs have partnered to administer a grant program open to SORC registered student organizations. The program was created to provide comprehensive, discussion-based education around consent, bystander intervention, healthy relationships, and survivor support. Participating student organizations are eligible for a $200 grant from the Division of Student Affairs after successful completion of two SAFE programs. The grant must be used to advance the mission of their organization or the University's sexual violence prevention efforts.
- Program Requirements
-
Organizations must commit to hosting two SAFE presentations and successfully complete the presentations during the 2022-2023 academic year. 80% of the organization’s members must be present at both or a minimum of 8 participants for organizations with no more than 20 members. 75% of the participants in attendance must complete evaluation surveys before and after presentations.
For additional questions, student organizations can email safestudentleaders@pitt.edu for more information.