24/7 School Safety System Can Help Prevent Suicide

MADISON, Wis. – Today is World Suicide Prevention Day and Attorney General Josh Kaul is reminding schools and students that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS) has a new resource for those in the school community that fear someone may harm themselves or others.

“Our new, free 24/7 school safety tool is available to students who are afraid a friend might hurt themselves and for students considering harming themselves. Parents, teachers, and others who are part of a school community can also use this tipline. With so many students attending school virtually and interacting with fewer trusted adults, Speak Up, Speak Out can be a critical additional resource to assist students in getting the help they need,” said Attorney General Kaul.

Launched in early September, the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT (SUSO) Resource Center is a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn with important school safety concerns, including mental health. It offers a 24/7 threat reporting system, threat assessment consultation, critical incident response, and general school safety guidance.

According to a survey of more than 1,000 principals nationwide that have a school safety tipline, 73% of principals said the tipline prevented incidents of self-harm or suicide.[1]

Students, parents, school staff, or any community members can submit a school safety concern or threat via the SUSO website, mobile phone application, or toll-free number. Resource Center staff work around-the-clock to respond to tips and to deploy a response locally by communicating directly with school administrators, law enforcement, and counselors.

Watch a video about SUSO and how it works.

SUSO Reports can be made 24/7:

• Online at widoj.gov
• 1-800-MY-SUSO-1 (1-800-697-8776)
• Mobile app (iOS/Android)

Learn more about the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT Resource Center:

• Website: https://speakup.widoj.gov/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakUpWI/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakupwi/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SpeakUpWI

If your school or school district would like to see how SUSO can be a part of your school safety plan, contact schoolsafety@doj.state.wi.us.

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[1] https://www.rti.org/news/survey-reveals-increasing-availability-and-utility-school-safety-tip-lines-us-public-schools

Press release: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/news-releases/247-school-safety-system-can-help-prevent-suicide

Fact sheet: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/news-media/9.2.20_SUSO_FactSheet.pdf

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.