San Mateo County providing comprehensive sexual assault services for survivors and their loved ones while working in the community to prevent sexual assault, end cycles of violence, and educate residents and providers about sexual violence and other kinds of abuse.
With distance learning and a more significant reliance on technical devices to access learning, it is important parents understand the risks and have open, meaningful conversations with their student about being online. The tools created, (and outlined below) are intended to assist parents who have already had these discussions, and to provide a roadmap for those who have not yet begun. Along with the tools, RTS is offering virtual workshops to review the information and answer parent questions.
The documents include:
- The Safety Guide is designed to provide parents with information on internet safety and help them address the potential dangers our youth are exposed to through common social media platforms. It covers cyberbullying among other serious concerns.
- How to Talk to Your Children About Sex, Sexting and Digital Safety is a step by step guide to having open-ended conversations to set boundaries for your child and for intervene when/if a parent discovers concerning material on a device. example of how to have a conversation with your youth if you find concerning pictures or texts on their phone.
- Flyer for Helping Your Child/Teen Safely Navigate the Online World – is an invitation to parents/guardians to a webinar, offered in English and Spanish, facilitated by Violence Prevention Educators in San Mateo County to learn about youth culture and how maintain open communication with their student.
- Three dates for high school parents (2 English, 1 Spanish)
- Three dates for middle school parents (2 English, 1 Spanish)
These documents are located on the SMCOE website, and will be added to the websites of RTS, Child and Family Services, and BHRS. While this is a difficult subject, we are hoping to spread these helpful documents far and wide to better protect our students. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Amanda Freemam, Program Director of Rape Trauma Services at
amanda@rapetraumaservices.org or Mary McGrath, Exective Director of Safe and Supportive Schools at
mmcgrath@smcoe.org.
CORA is dedicated to helping those affected by domestic violence. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.
StarVista Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center
Partnering with the San Mateo County Pride Center and provides a free, confidential, nonjudgmental, 24-hour crisis line to callers in San Mateo County.
- For 24-hour chat services click Lifeline Crisis Chat
- For immediate help, you can call the StarVista’s Crisis Hotline at 650-579-0350.
Local and National Hotlines
650-579-0350 – StarVista Crisis Line (San Mateo County)
800-273-8255 – Suicide Hotline
877-565-8860 – Trans Lifeline*
866-488-7386 – Trevor Lifeline (ages 13-24)
888-843-4564 – LGBTQ+ National Hotline*
888-234-7243 – SAGE Hotline for LGBTQ+ Elders* (50+)
800-300-1080 – Relationship Abuse & Domestic Violence
888-220-7575 – Parent Support Line
800-367-2437 – HIV/AIDS Hotline* (English & Spanish)
415-200-2920 – HIV/AIDS Textline
650-579-0356 – Alcohol and Drug Hotline (San Mateo County)
800-931-2237 – Eating Disorder Helpline*
800-366-8388 – Self Harm Hotline*
800-656-4673 – Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline
800-273-8255 – Veterans Crisis Line
800-786-2929 – Runaway Safeline
Text “START” to 741741 – Crisis Text Line (free & confidential)
800-686-0101*, TDD: 800-943-2833* – ACCESS Call Center for San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services:
The ACCESS Call Center is the gateway that can guide you through all the different and appropriate services offered by San Mateo County. Initial appointments are evaluations from which treatment plans and next steps are determined.
800-662-4357 – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment Referral Routing Service: