They just want someone to go with, to do things together
The first thing I would do [if a friend told me she had been sexually assaulted] is to support her. I would tell her that, "Whatever happens, I'm always here to be with you." If she really got hurt, I would go to the hospital with her, and then I would give her some advice, or like, ask her, like, "Did you record this kind of thing? Do you have any evidence? Or, where do you want to get help?" I would like to go with her, and if she really wants to report this thing, I can go with her, because I know that a person who had this kind of experience, they are very insecure to do this kind of thing alone. Or they just want someone to go with, like, to do things together.
Recommendations
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Promote SANE nurses as supporters for victims/survivors. Ideally, this would happen in the context of a formal partnership with SANE nurses, which includes 24/7 availability of SANE nurse services on campus.
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Present learning materials in a way that is helpful to a friend supporting a victim/survivor.
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Emphasize the victim's right to decide whether they would like to report the incident after they have disclosed it to the university. Ensure the victim is aware of the formal and informal routes for reporting, including the option of reporting to the police. Clearly communicate any limits to confidentiality.
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Provide students with information about what can serve as evidence of sexual assault for the purposes of a university investigation. This information should appear in the policy itself and in educational materials about the policy.
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When responding to a disclosure or report of sexual violence, highlight that students have the choice to involve support people of their choice, including friends or family members. Offer to reach out to support people if the student prefers. This applies to the victim/survivor or complainant and respondent.