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902-425-0122

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African Female

Disclosing is the only way you can be anonymous

So, what I got from the policy is that with the other option, disclosing, that’s the only way you can be anonymous. Like, if you report it, it can’t be anonymous as well. You have to fully [unclear], and have your name, and sign, and do all of that stuff. Is there a way that you can report [anonymously] and have serious action be taken as well? So, not to be fully identifiable, probably not completely anonymous, but in some ways anonymous to keep your privacy?

Recommendations

  • Use an app or other tool that allows students to anonymously ask questions about sexual violence and university policies against sexual violence.

  • 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.

  • In the policy itself and in materials and presentations promoting the policy, define "confidential" and "anonymous," and explain how these concepts pertain to the policy, university-based sexual assault services, and the limits on confidentiality and anonymity.

  • Provide detail and clarity about what happens, and who helps the students involved, at every stage of the process following a disclosure or report.