Give Support
Hearing disclosures of sexual violence can be difficult. Here are some ways that you can give a helpful, supportive response.
It is not easy for someone to disclose that they have been sexually assaulted, sexually harassed, or have been victimized by other forms of sexual violence.
How you react to their disclosure can have a significant influence on how they make sense of what has happened to them and could affect what they do or do not do next. You thus have an opportunity to empower the survivor and assist them in their path forward and in accessing additional support.
Listen
Be patient and let them tell you as little or as much as they want at their own pace, without interrupting. Talking about how they feel can be as helpful or more helpful than talking about details. Take their lead on this, and avoid saying phrases such as “I would have done this…” or “you should have…”.
Believe
Validate their feelings and assure them that these are normal reactions to a very traumatic event and avoid promising them that everything will be okay. Assure them that it was not their fault and if possible, stay with them or find someone they trust who can be with them.
Empower
You can help them regain control by trusting them to make their own choices about what to do next. You don’t need to do everything for them; your role is to help them get connected to appropriate resources and supports.
Wave of Change program
Learn how to take a prevention approach to sexual violence on campus and take Waves of Change: Creating Campus Reponses to Sexual Violence Program: The goal of this program is to teach participants to recognize a broad range of sexually violent scenarios that commonly occur on post-secondary campuses. Participants will also learn various techniques to intervene either as bystanders or as a community in order to interrupt or stop sexual violence, support survivors, hold those who cause harm accountable for their actions, and transform the culture that allows violence to happen. This program draws on participants’ existing skills, knowledge, and creativity in order to facilitate broader strategies for social change.
Contact us
Hearing disclosures of sexual violence can be difficult. The Director of Opportunity & Belonging is available to support members of the campus community after they have responded to disclosures as needed.
Contact the Manager of Opportunity & Belonging
Dr. Taq Bhandal