For crisis intervention or mental distress: Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line:
1-888-429-8167

For Confidential support to post-secondary students in Nova Scotia:
Good2Talk: 1-833-292-3698
or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program for the Halifax area:
902-425-0122

Get toll-free numbers for other Nova Scotia regions

 

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African Female

Be informal!

[When supporting a survivor], I would say try to be less formal - be informal! Like, act as if you care and are not just asking me because you have to [...]. And don't come with an idea like you don't believe me, 'cause then I wouldn't be lead to talk to you, 'cause I don't like stuff like that. And I'll just be like, "forget
that." [...] You want to be genuine about it so that the person can be lead to talk to you.

Recommendations

  • Use open-ended questions and collaborative communication when supporting a victim/survivor.

  • Present learning materials in a way that is helpful to a friend supporting a victim/survivor.

  • Ensure all sexual violence prevention and response education and training opportunities actively deconstruct victim-blaming, rape myths and gender norms. Ensure these sessions take an intersectional approach to understanding sexual violence and supporting victim/survivors.