Bringing awareness to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Wellness Center provides many resources for sexual assault survivors.
Beas said students can start getting help by going to Katie Taylor, a social worker in the Wellness Center.
Students can access help by visiting the Wellness Center during lunch or break, where staff can arrange one-on-one meetings with a Counseling and Support Services for Youth therapist or social worker. Beas encourages students to reach out to a trusted adult on campus.
Samantha Juliet Perez Rameno, a freshman, strongly believes that she has trusted adults at Del Mar and that they would help her in any situation.
“I feel confident that students could talk to a staff or go to their counselor or someone they trust,” said Rameno.
“I’d say always pinpoint your trusted adult and let us know what you need,” said Beas.
Taylor provides direct support for students experiences at home, friends or if they’re experiencing feelings of anxiety, anger, or overwhelm, including sexual assault. She said her role includes offering a safe space for students to share their experiences and connecting them with additional resources.
“We provide education around their rights and the law. We provide resources and referrals to community programs, usually the YWCA. And if it’s something that has to be reported by law, then we also get support from the legal system so we can assist with police reports,” said Taylor.
The Young Women’s Christian Association is a nonprofit organization that provides youth care, including health and wellness programs, support groups and services. This organization helps provide youth a confidential support space to be a part of.
Taylor shares that survivors from sexual assault or harrassment are not alone, they’re not in trouble and that it’s not their fault. She includes that many survivors blame themselves.
“If somebody is assaulted by somebody on campus, there’s an investigation process that goes to the district office and then from there. If they’re feeling unsafe having a class with somebody they were assaulted by, they might need to change their class schedule,” said Taylor.
The first process for a report is to provide supportive counseling, letting students know they have a safe place in the Wellness Center. Next, the school would inform students of their rights, connect them with a medical exam at Valley Medical and refer them to counseling or support groups through the YWCA. If needed, staff would also help students file a police report.
Taylor organizes an event to celebrate Denim Day on April 29 to acknowledge Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Staff from community programs will visit the school during lunch to staff a table with resources and raise awareness on campus.
“When I hear Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I think about the feelings people experience when it happened to them,” said Rameno.
Students who need support can start by reaching out to a trusted adult or visiting the Wellness Center for one-on-one help. Staff can also connect them with community resources like the YWCA and other counseling programs.
