Summer is nearly here (at least we hope so!) and this means many changes are in the air. High Schools and Colleges will be holding graduation ceremonies. Graduates will be looking for permanent or summer jobs. Many will be returning to parental homes, while others will be looking for roommates. (We address the issue of sharing homes creatively and peacefully, and tactics that can help in our June newsletter).

We also know that summer means kids in summer camps, on family trips and at home needing supervision. And stresses.

Several families getting together to create a plan to care, jointly, for the children's benefit is one kind of a Personal Safety Net (PSN) that can be helpful not only in summers, but after school and during school's-not-in-session-today days.

The same steps that work when someone has had an accident and needs team support, can help during vacation times.
1) Identify and define the issue
2) Decide on what could be needed to help
3) Think of who or what might provide this assistance
4) Ask for specific assistance
5) Don't take "no" personally
6) Organize the help
7) Express appreciation for response (even a "no" may be evidence of support or take courage) or assistance
8) Keep giving to others!

Yet another sort of change was recently brought to our attention. King County Sexual Assault Resource Center publishes KCSARC June 2010 E-Newsletter. The following is quoted: "At KCSARC, the beginning of summer means an increased number of calls for our Intake staff. Calls have increased 25% the last month. We do not have specific data as to why this happens, but it seems to be a trend each year. Perhaps, the change in routine as we enter the summer months prompts victims of sexual assault, or those concerned about someone, to call KCSARC. Please remember to talk with your friends, neighbors and co-workers about sexual assault and what you can do to reduce risk!"

Talking about sexual assault is to take the first step that PSN advocates. We encourage you to find out more about the other steps, to take courage to define issues and problems, and contact us if we can help.