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

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Good2Talk: 1-833-292-3698
or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

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

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Caucasian Female

I would want to be treated with respect

I guess if I were coming to them after an assault, I would wanna be treated with respect and have people be mindful of their body language and facial expressions when I am telling them what is going on. And I wouldn't want them to say that they understand my situation because it is a big one; most people won't understand.

Recommendations

  • Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.

  • Allow victim/survivors to share their experiences and seek support when they are ready. Offer information about time limits for reporting when applicable.

  • Ensure educational materials and initiatives explore relationships between sexual violence and drugs/alcohol. These materials should be mindful of pressures to over-consume and the fact that some international students are unfamiliar with drinking culture. Ensure and/or highlight the fact that no student who discloses or reports sexual assault will be penalized for substance use related to the incident in question.