The Our Lives: Safe and Strong Program Toolkit is a set of two web-based tools for abuse awareness, support, and safety planning. One is specialized to the abuse experiences of male-identified individuals, and the other for female-identified individuals.
The programs feature people with diverse disabilities and identities speaking about their own abuse experiences.
These tools can be used privately, or in the company of a trusted person(s).
They can be used as educational information for the family, friends, or support providers of a person who is or may be experiencing interpersonal violence.
Language: The program is offered in English and American Sign Language at this time.
Length of Time: The time it takes to complete the program will vary. The entire program could take one or more hours, but it can be broken up and done in parts. You can take as much time with the program as you would like.
Sections: The program is organized into sections that cover five types of abuse: physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect.
Privacy: It is recommended that you go through the SSP in a safe place, with enough privacy to keep you comfortable as you learn about and hear stories about abuse.
Gender: The SSP has two sections. One is designated for men, and can be used by anyone. The second is designated for women, and can be used by anyone.
Trauma Triggers: The SSP contains information and first-hand accounts of traumatic experiences. None of the content is graphic.
Please seek the support that you need as you use the program. You may choose to have someone you trust close by. You may choose to tell trusted person that you will be using the SSP, and that you might need to contact them if you need support.
If at any point you need to stop using the SSP or take a break, please do.
Do not use this program if you think someone may be watching what you do on your computer. Every computer keeps a record of the websites that have been visited and email messages that have been sent. People can find that information.
If this is a concern, do not use this program on your computer. Use a computer at a local library, an internet cafe, a trusted friend’s home, or some other safe place.
If you need to close this program quickly, click the “Exit Website Now” button in the top right corner of your screen. For your safety, no information is being stored.
If you are in danger right now, call 911.