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Middle Eastern Male

The high fear of being heavily judged

I believe that when it comes to understanding what the victim is going through- let's say, if someone comes from a Muslim background, especially coming from the Middle East, the high fear of being heavily judged by people would lead to severe consequences. This is why I believe knowing about the religion and what kind of effect it will have [unclear]. So I would say they [someone supporting a survivor from our cultural background] should have general knowledge and idea of the religion the victim is coming from.

Recommendations

  • Sign on with a service such as KeepMe.Safe, which connects students with mental health professionals from cultures around the world and promote this service as part of university SV/SA service provision.

  • When responding to a disclosure or report of sexual violence involving racially or ethnically marginalized students, provide these students with the choice to work with someone who shares their cultural or racial identity or someone who does not.

  • Engage in activities to develop cultural responsiveness as it pertains to sexual violence prevention and response. Apply culturally responsive practices in these areas.

  • Consider how a student's identities might affect their expectations and concerns when accessing supports following a sexual assault, or when involved in a sexual assault investigation.

  • Provide services through the university itself and/or external services that meet the religious or spiritual needs of the victim/survivor and/or respondent.