Providing spiritually responsive support
Provide services through the university itself and/or external services that meet the religious or spiritual needs of the victim/survivor and/or respondent.
Many participants in our focus groups let us know that in order to feel comfortable receiving support from someone following an incident of sexual assault, and in order for the supports provided to be culturally appropriate, the service provider would need to understand or even share the individual’s religious identity. In order to provide such services, it may be useful to engage with the networks of university chaplains. Signing on with KeepME.Safe may also allow universities to connect with service providers who share the religious identities of victims/survivors or of respondents in SV/SA cases. (See also the recommendation “Providing access to culturally diverse service providers”).
Community Resources
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Keep.meSAFEKeep.meSAFe is a Mental Wellness Student Support Program offered by the insurance company guard.me. Students can only access this service if their university pays for access to it. According to the Keep.meSAFE website, "keep.meSAFE’s innovative Student Support Program (SSP) helps students by promoting early intervention and 24/7 access to mental health support. We help students manage their mental health so they can fully participate in academic life and complete their studies. keep.meSAFE is the first support program to use linguistically and culturally matched licensed clinicians, providing your students a welcoming place where they are comfortable to seek help."
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NaseehaNaseeha is a mental health hotline and so much more. 7 days a week we answer calls from around the world from Muslim and non-muslims. Naseeha Mental Health has been a great bridge for individuals who are going through life’s challenges. Where hope is lost, Naseeha is found. We provide a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need. We provide workshops to youth across North America, web therapy sessions, and offer texting mental health support 7 days a week.
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Nisa Helpline for Muslim WomenNisa Helpline is a non-profit organization launched in 2014. We assist Muslim Women across North America, by providing free, anonymous, confidential, and non-judgmental peer-to-peer counselling. Callers also have the option to receive faith-based counselling! Our toll-free number, 1-866-315 NISA (1-866-315-6472), is accessible anywhere in North America, 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call the toll-free number, you will be directly connected to a Helpline counselor. Our counselors have had extensive training, and provide assistance and guidance for issues such as, but not limited to: Stress Management | Depression | Anxiety | Eating Disorders | Sexual, Emotional, or Physical Abuse | Anger Management | Gender Issues | Intimidation or Harassment | Substance Abuse | Relationship Counselling | Career or Work Related Crises | Sexual Issues | Islamophobia | Bullying | Mental Health | Addiction | Self-Esteem | Marital Discord