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