CONNECT’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 508-696-SAFE (7233)
CONNECT collaborates with our Island community to promote healthy relationships and to raise awareness of issues surrounding domestic and sexual violence. Our goal is to increase our visibility on Martha’s Vineyard to educate our community and make CONNECT services known to survivors, their loved ones and the community at large.
CONNECT and Island Schools
- The SWEAR program is a collaboration between CONNECT and Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School where students in their junior year apply to join and are selected to become peer leaders in ending gender-based violence. They attend a two-day retreat where they discuss and learn about topics including being an active bystander, gender stereotypes, rape culture, and how to promote respect within their school community.
- SWEAR leaders:
- Host and participate in awareness campaigns throughout the school year
- Hold an annual assembly for the entire MVRHS student body
- Facilitate conversations with students in the elementary schools around respect and leadership
Healthy Relationships Curriculum
Healthy Relationships was developed using evidence-based and research-based curricula. The current curriculum is implemented in grades 6-12 and covers topics including:
- The types of abuse and respect
- How to be an active bystander
- How to access resources for support
- Healthy relationships
- Consent and respect
- Sexual assault
- Boundaries
- Communication
Uproot is CONNECT’s student-led club at MVRHS for students to host awareness campaigns that work to end gender-based violence and teen dating violence.
Grades 4-12
Some of CONNECT’s Annual Events Include:
- Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk (April)
- Seawall Stand (July)
- LADYFEST (October)
Contact:
CONNECT to End Violence’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 508-696-SAFE (7233)
Susan Mercier, Division Director, 774-549-9667 x112
smercier@mvcommunityservices.org