Go with someone you are familiar with
My best advice [for a survivor from my community] would be to go with someone you are familiar with, maybe your relatives, someone you can trust. [...] Because Asian people would be really, really shy to speak up. So having a companion would help you somehow cope with that stress of disclosing your case. So [...] if I’m the person who might support these people I would say, like, just let them go with some of their friends, or just one of their best friends. Just let them find the ease of speaking out
Recommendations
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Create an inter-university and college roster of peer supporters and educators that includes international and domestic student leaders across genders.
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Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.
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Develop a one-page document for parents/guardians of students that highlights key policy points and links to sexual assault resources and supports available in Canada.
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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.