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

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Indian Female

There are two options

My opinion is that there are two options: Either report, or you decide not to identify yourself, and still take the services. I feel that both should be in place, because like the other participant mentioned, some people would not be comfortable disclosing their name, their identity or any of information that they had to report. They just require medical, physical, and mental support. So, those kind of people can utilise these services, and people who want to report, for example, a particular person committing a series of sexual violence and it doesn’t reported - how is this person going to stop? I think both things should be in place, and it should be up to the person- whenever want to report they should be allowed to. Even after two or three months - whenever they feel comfortable - but I feel both should be in place.

Recommendations

  • Use an app or other tool that allows students to anonymously ask questions about sexual violence and university policies against sexual violence.

  • Emphasize the victim's right to decide whether they would like to report the incident after they have disclosed it to the university. Ensure the victim is aware of the formal and informal routes for reporting, including the option of reporting to the police. Clearly communicate any limits to confidentiality.

  • In the policy itself and in materials and presentations promoting the policy, define "confidential" and "anonymous," and explain how these concepts pertain to the policy, university-based sexual assault services, and the limits on confidentiality and anonymity.

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

  • Identify how long reports are kept on file and the process involved if/when responding to a report concerning a previously accused respondent.