Perspectives on responses to sexual assault

I think that the person who will deal with sexual violence should be knowledgeable about what sexual violence is, and what procedures [to use] to report the sexual violence. And second, that person should have…

Participant 1: The first thing that would come to mind for me would be making sure that she is physically alright and in a mental place where they will not cause themselves harm. But yes,…

There’s a story that my friend told me, when we were still back in Vietnam. He told me about how he got involved in sexual assault when he was in the bathroom with other men.…

Participant 1: If they are physically okay, I would obviously reassure them that I am there for them. I would let them know that there are other people who have gone through the same thing,…

I think they should provide more information about how to contact the office, and in case you don’t want to face-to-face talk to them. Can I get an email address to send them an email…

For example, look at MSVU Health Services. [They close at] 5:00 pm. The person will have to wait until Monday [laughter]. If you look at the cases that happened on campus, they were after these…

Participant 1: For international students […] not all of them have, like, excellent English, you know, so it would be really hard to express themselves, even if the other person knows about the culture. And…

Empathy and active listening are good characteristics’ for them [supporters]. Also, just being aware in that moment; be able to read body language. I am a very physical person. I communicate through touch as well,…

They [the university] have to recruit the staff, but they […] should [also] open a training session for persons who want to become a volunteer English sexual violence consultant or something like that. Because at…

One of the very first things that comes to mind is language barriers. […] If you are a secretary, staff member or someone who receives reports, my advice is to be patient and to speak…