To talk to a random stranger
Facilitator: Do you think that you would visit a counsellor's office to ask for help if something like this happened?
Participant 1: Here?
Facilitator: Yeah.
Participant 1: I've never been there, but honestly, no.
Participant 2: I don't think I would.
Participant 3: Me neither!
[...]
Participant 1: Yeah, no. [chuckles]
Facilitator: Why wouldn't you go?
Participant 1: I think it's the whole thing of talking to somebody outside, like, outside of my problem.
Participant 2: Yeah.
Participant 1: Like, I know they're there, but it's still different to talk to somebody I don't know versus someone I'm really close with. Like, to talk to a random stranger and be like, "I got raped last night." Like, wow.
Recommendations
-
Use an app or other tool that allows students to anonymously ask questions about sexual violence and university policies against sexual violence.
-
Present learning materials in a way that is helpful to a friend supporting a victim/survivor.
-
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.