Jan 31, 2008 12:22 PM
The Victim Support Program (VSP), cosponsored by the UFT’s School Safety unit and the DOE, provides psychological support and practical assistance for staff members who are victims of workplace violence. The Program offers victim outreach, psychological counseling, and crisis intervention. All services are free and completely confidential. For further information, call 212-598-6853.
Victim Outreach
When we receive an incident report, we follow up with a phone call from one of our staff, review practical information regarding Board procedures, forms and requirements as well as procedures of the criminal justice system. We can also provide staff to accompany members to the DOE’s Medical Bureau and to the courts.
Psychological Counseling
We offer support for individuals and staffs. In the aftermath of serious incidents, victims often feel substantial distress. This may include specific psychological difficulties such as emotional stress, sleep disturbance, heightened feeling of vulnerability, and other problems. While these reactions commonly occur and are considered “normal” responses to these kinds of violating events, they often cause intense disruption and concern. The Victim Support Program offers short-term individual and group counseling to those who require or request such assistance in the aftermath of incidents.
Crisis Intervention
We also provide on-site crisis intervention following major incidents. This includes psychological counseling for staff to help them deal with “ripple effect” trauma.