Bullying can occur in any setting, including urban, suburban, and rural schools. Research indicates that 1 in 5 students report being bullied at school. Bullying is defined as repeated mean or harmful behavior that creates a one-sided dynamic.                                                                                      

Characteristics of Bullying:

  1. It is aggressive behavior that is usually repeated over time
  2. It occurs in relationships where there is an imbalance of power that is real or perceived
  3. It is intended to cause harm or distress and may have serious, lasting effects on the targeted individual.

Bullying is a form of school violence that can have long-term consequences, affecting both physical and mental health into adulthood. Students who experience bullying are at an increased risk for depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and academic struggles.

What We Do

MESA School Bullying Prevention is funded through the U.S. Department of Justice “STOP School Violence” grant. MESA collaborates with schools across Indiana to implement a research-based bullying prevention curriculum. The program takes a proactive approach by providing training and education for students, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff using the Second Step Bullying Prevention curriculum.

The bullying prevention units are taught in grades K-5, helping students and staff learn to recognize, respond to, and report bullying. The lessons also empower bystanders to take appropriate action. Training equips school staff with the skills to effectively identify and address bullying. In addition to general staff training, MESA provides specialized training for teachers, counselors, and administrators on developing and implementing safety and behavior plans, as well as ongoing student support. Safety plans are created for both the student exhibiting bullying behavior and the student being bullied.

MESA also educates parents and community organizations on bullying prevention and how to support affected students. This comprehensive, proactive approach enhances the ability of students, educators, and families to recognize bullying, implement safety measures, improve school climate, and foster a safe learning environment.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)

Contact Sherri Cripe about partnering with the MESA School Bullying Prevention program

Funding Source

This project was supported by Grant No. 2020-YS-BX-0102 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

MESA’s Child Abuse Prevention Program is committed to equipping schools with the knowledge and resources necessary to prevent child abuse and create safe learning environments.

Our program is designed to align with Indiana’s legal requirements and best practices in child abuse prevention. We offer tailored training sessions for school personnel, students, and parents to ensure a comprehensive approach to child safety. By integrating research-based prevention education into school curricula, we support educators in fostering a culture of awareness and proactive intervention.

MESA also provides consultation services to help schools meet state legal mandates, offering guidance on documentation and reporting procedures. Through access to essential tools and resources, we empower schools to create environments where students feel safe, supported, and protected from harm.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)

Contact Sherri Cripe about partnering with the MESA School Bullying Prevention program

Farm workers play a vital role in food production but often go unrecognized in many communities. According to the National Center on Farm Worker Health, they are among the lowest income workers in the United States. Factors such as economic hardship, food, and housing insecurity, as well as limited access to resources contribute to increased risks of exploitation, mental health challenges, and workplace hazards. Many farm workers face severe financial instability and have limited or no access to essential resources for basic needs.

What we Do

MESA began working with farm worker families to prevent child sexual abuse and sexual violence, and that work continues today. To address additional challenges, MESA launched donation drives to collect gently used clothing, toys, baby items, and furniture for farm worker families. These efforts have grown over time to meet evolving needs. MESA now hosts several drives each year, including back-to-school and holiday assistance drives. Through all our efforts, we remain committed to ensuring those we support have access to essential resources and a voice in shaping our work.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)
Contact Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez about partnering with MESA’s Farm Worker Outreach

 

MESA is a member of the Indiana Migrant/Seasonal Farm Worker Coalition and a member organization of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, a national advocacy network of farm worker service provider organizations.

Sexual violence is a widespread issue that occurs in public and private spaces, workplaces, schools, and institutions. Approximately every 68 seconds, a person in the United States is sexually assaulted. Perpetrators can include individuals known to the survivor, such as relatives, friends, or co-workers, as well as those in positions of authority. Certain populations may face higher risks due to various social and economic factors.

What We Do

MESA’s Sexual Violence Prevention program is funded in part by the Rape Prevention Education grant through the Indiana State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our program strengthens statewide sexual violence primary prevention (SVPP) efforts by collaborating with communities and stakeholders across Indiana to address factors that contribute to sexual violence.

MESA supports these efforts by connecting SVPP initiatives to public health and prevention strategies. These strategies include promoting safe working conditions, food security, healthcare access, and policies supporting overall well-being. MESA leads these efforts through education, community engagement, and advocacy within the public health framework.

MESA’s SVPP initiatives focus on reducing risk factors associated with sexual violence across Indiana by providing workshops and webinars, serving on advisory councils, and participating in capacity-building events. We offer services to community leaders, Purdue Extension, laborers, service providers, professionals, and other stakeholders.

How You Can Help

You can donate now to our gift fund (Nicoletti-Martinez MESA Gift Fund)

Contact Kimber Nicoletti-Martinez about partnering with the MESA Sexual Violence Prevention program.