REES: Revolutionizing Reporting Systems with Technology

Welcome to the blog! This post will dive deep into the innovative world of REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors), a platform transforming how we approach reporting systems, especially in cases of abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Traditional reporting methods often fall short, retraumatizing survivors and failing to provide institutions with the actionable insights needed to prevent future incidents. REES offers a technological solution that prioritizes survivor safety, protects privacy, and empowers institutions to create safer environments. This article explores the key features of REES, its real-world applications, and the benefits it offers to both survivors and institutions.

This discussion builds on the insights shared in the recent podcast episode, "94-Trauma-Informed Reporting Tech: REES on Safety, Choice & Data-Driven Prevention" featuring Mary Lobson, the founder of REES. Mary shares her journey from frontline domestic violence advocacy to building REES, and we delve into how trauma-informed technology is reshaping reporting systems. Make sure to listen to the episode for a richer understanding of the topics covered here.

The Need for Revolution in Reporting Systems

Traditional reporting systems are frequently fraught with issues that can further traumatize survivors and hinder effective prevention. These systems often lack the sensitivity and understanding required to handle sensitive reports of abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Common pitfalls include:

• Lack of Confidentiality: Many systems do not adequately protect the privacy of the reporter, leading to fear of retaliation or further harm.
• Complex Procedures: Cumbersome and confusing reporting processes can deter survivors from coming forward.
• Lack of Support: Traditional systems often fail to provide adequate support and resources to survivors during and after the reporting process.
• Institutional Bias: In some cases, institutions may prioritize protecting their reputation over the well-being of survivors.
• Data Silos: Information is often scattered and difficult to analyze, preventing institutions from identifying patterns and implementing effective prevention strategies.

These shortcomings necessitate a revolutionary approach to reporting systems – one that prioritizes survivor safety, protects privacy, and empowers institutions to take meaningful action. This is where REES comes in.

What is REES? Introducing a Trauma-Informed Reporting Platform

REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors) is a trauma-informed reporting platform designed to address the shortcomings of traditional reporting systems. It provides a secure, confidential, and survivor-centered way for individuals to report incidents of abuse, harassment, and discrimination. REES is not just a reporting tool; it's a comprehensive system that empowers survivors, protects their privacy, and provides institutions with actionable insights to prevent future incidents.

At its core, REES is built on the principles of:

• Trauma-Informed Design: Recognizing the impact of trauma on survivors and creating a system that minimizes potential retraumatization.
• Survivor Empowerment: Giving survivors control over their reporting process and providing them with options and support.
• Privacy Protection: Safeguarding the confidentiality of reports and ensuring that sensitive information is protected.
• Data-Driven Prevention: Providing institutions with the data and analytics they need to identify patterns, implement effective prevention strategies, and build safer cultures.

REES is designed to be flexible and adaptable, making it suitable for a wide range of organizations and institutions, including:

• Colleges and Universities
• Sports Organizations
• Workplaces
• Community Organizations
• Live Music Events

By providing a centralized, secure, and trauma-informed reporting platform, REES helps organizations create safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

Key Features of REES: Empowering Survivors and Protecting Privacy

REES offers a robust suite of features designed to empower survivors, protect their privacy, and provide institutions with actionable insights. Some of the key features include:

• Secure and Confidential Reporting: REES utilizes encryption and other security measures to protect the confidentiality of reports. Survivors can choose to report anonymously or with their identifying information.
• Trauma-Informed Reporting Forms: REES provides reporting forms that are designed to be sensitive to the needs of survivors. The forms use plain language and avoid potentially triggering questions.
• Options for Sharing Information: Survivors have control over how and when their information is shared. They can choose to submit a report without initiating an investigation or to share their information with designated authorities.
• Secure Two-Way Communication: REES allows for secure and confidential two-way communication between survivors and designated administrators. This allows for follow-up questions and support without compromising the survivor's privacy.
• Resource Directory: REES provides a directory of resources and support services for survivors, including counseling, legal aid, and advocacy organizations.
• Data Analytics and Reporting: REES provides institutions with data analytics and reporting tools that allow them to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors related to abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Repeat Perpetrator Identification: REES can identify repeat perpetrators, allowing institutions to take proactive steps to prevent future incidents.
• Customizable Platform: REES can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization or institution. This includes customizing reporting forms, resource directories, and data analytics dashboards.

These features work together to create a reporting system that is both effective and supportive, empowering survivors and helping institutions create safer environments.

Survivor-Centered Design in Practice

The foundation of REES is its commitment to survivor-centered design. This means that every aspect of the platform, from the reporting forms to the data analytics tools, is designed with the needs and experiences of survivors in mind. Survivor-centered design goes beyond simply being sensitive; it's about actively empowering survivors and giving them control over their reporting process.

Here are some examples of how survivor-centered design is implemented in REES:

• Plain Language: REES uses plain language throughout the platform to ensure that survivors can easily understand the reporting process and their options.
• Choice and Control: Survivors have control over how and when their information is shared. They can choose to report anonymously, to submit a report without initiating an investigation, or to share their information with designated authorities.
• Trauma-Informed Questions: Reporting forms are designed to avoid potentially triggering questions and to provide survivors with opportunities to share their experiences in their own words.
• Secure Communication: REES provides secure and confidential two-way communication between survivors and designated administrators, allowing for follow-up questions and support without compromising the survivor's privacy.
• Access to Resources: REES provides a directory of resources and support services for survivors, ensuring that they have access to the help they need.

By prioritizing survivor-centered design, REES creates a reporting system that is both effective and supportive, empowering survivors and helping them to heal.

How REES Works: Real-World Implementations Across Sectors

REES is being implemented across a wide range of sectors, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability. Here are some examples of how REES is being used in the real world:

• Colleges and Universities: REES is helping colleges and universities create safer campuses by providing a secure and confidential way for students, faculty, and staff to report incidents of sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination.
• Sports Organizations: REES is helping sports organizations address bullying, harassment, and abuse by providing a reporting platform that is accessible to athletes, coaches, and staff.
• Live Music Events: REES is helping live music events create safer environments for attendees by providing a reporting system that allows individuals to report incidents of harassment or assault.

In each of these sectors, REES is helping to create a culture of accountability and prevention, empowering survivors and helping institutions to build safer environments.

Benefits of REES for Institutions: Actionable Insights and Prevention

While REES is primarily designed to empower survivors, it also offers significant benefits for institutions. By providing actionable insights and data-driven prevention strategies, REES helps institutions create safer and more supportive environments for everyone.

Here are some of the key benefits of REES for institutions:

• Improved Reporting Rates: By providing a secure and confidential reporting platform, REES can increase reporting rates, allowing institutions to gain a more accurate understanding of the prevalence of abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Data-Driven Prevention: REES provides institutions with data analytics and reporting tools that allow them to identify patterns, trends, and risk factors related to abuse, harassment, and discrimination. This information can be used to develop and implement effective prevention strategies.
• Reduced Liability: By creating a safer and more supportive environment, REES can help institutions reduce their liability related to incidents of abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Improved Reputation: By demonstrating a commitment to safety and prevention, REES can help institutions improve their reputation and build trust with stakeholders.
• Compliance with Regulations: REES can help institutions comply with federal and state regulations related to Title IX, the Clery Act, and other laws designed to protect individuals from abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

By investing in REES, institutions can demonstrate their commitment to safety and prevention, creating a culture of accountability and support that benefits everyone.

Who Should Pay Attention? Addressing a Wide Audience

REES is relevant to a wide audience, including:

• Survivors of abuse, harassment, and discrimination: REES provides a safe and confidential way to report incidents and access resources and support.
• Advocates and support professionals: REES provides a platform to connect survivors with resources and support services.
• Administrators and leaders in educational institutions: REES offers data-driven insights for prevention and compliance.
• HR professionals and workplace safety managers: REES helps create safer and more inclusive work environments.
• Leaders in sports organizations: REES addresses bullying, harassment, and abuse within athletic programs.
• Community organizers and activists: REES supports efforts to address interpersonal violence in communities.
• Anyone committed to creating safer and more respectful environments: REES provides a model for trauma-informed reporting and prevention.

If you fall into any of these categories, we encourage you to learn more about REES and how it can help you create safer and more supportive environments.

Conclusion: Building Safer Cultures with Technology and Trauma-Informed Practices

REES represents a significant step forward in the effort to address abuse, harassment, and discrimination. By combining technology with trauma-informed practices, REES empowers survivors, protects their privacy, and provides institutions with the tools they need to create safer cultures. It is not just a reporting system; it is a catalyst for change, helping to shift the focus from reactive responses to proactive prevention.

As discussed in episode 94 of the 1 in 3 Podcast, REES offers a viable path toward a future where reporting is safe, supportive, and empowering. By embracing technology and prioritizing the needs of survivors, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.

Resources and Further Information: Connect with REES and 1 in 3 Podcast

To learn more about REES, please visit their website: https://www.reescommunity.com/

For more information on trauma-informed practices and strategies for preventing interpersonal violence, please subscribe to the 1 in 3 Podcast and visit the website: https://www.1in3podcast.com/

Thank you for joining us on this journey toward creating safer and more supportive communities!