Hi, UM Griz parents and families! Today, we’re highlighting Dr. Aislinn Addington, the director of the Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC). SARC provides free and confidential support, resources, and referrals to any student who has been impacted by identity-based harm. They believe that violence and harm should not be tolerated in the UM community and that each of us have a role in preventing identity-based harm.
Q: How can parents and families support survivors?
A: Listen. Believe. Support. Aislinn encourages parents and families to start with these three things to empower their students to make the decisions that will be best for them. By repeatedly validating your student and their experiences, you help them cut through the critical voices we all have in our minds. Your student is the expert on their story or experience, so they are best suited to choose a path forward. Though it’s hard not to immediately suggest solutions, it's important to empower your student to make their own choices, especially if they had an experience they weren’t in control of.
Q: What can a parent or family member do if they’re concerned their student is in a dangerous relationship?
A: Aislinn says that listening, leading with love, and being brave enough to ask a couple of questions are excellent first steps. She knows that many parents and family members worry about what will happen if they express concern and are wrong about a situation. However, Aislinn encourages these individuals not to worry about this because asking questions, rather than making accusations, puts them at ease and reminds their student they care.
Q: What projects are you working on?
A: This year, SARC brought a new full-time prevention specialist to campus. This role will allow SARC to enhance existing preventive measures on campus and implement new programs. SARC is also working on interactive bystander workshops that empower students to change University culture and apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios.
Q: How can students and parents contact SARC?
A: SARC is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and has walk-in hours from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Students can also call or email to make an appointment. SARC partners with the local Missoula YWCA to offer students access to 24/7 support. After hours, students can speak with a local advocate from the YWCA at 406-542-1944.
