This is really torturing their mind
[If a friend disclosed to me that she had been sexually assaulted], I would make sure that she is all right, I mean, mentally, or like, if they need any kind of comfort from you, at the moment, rather than just trying to make sure that they open up about the case, or how it happened [...]. I'll just make sure that she is alright mentally. Because it is quite dreadful for people; all of this is really torturing their mind. And then, like, they're not able to focus or [unclear]. So at the moment, I guess, just being able to rely on someone for awhile without speaking up would also be a great comfort to them. So, I would think about how I can make sure that she's comfortable and, you know, ensure that she's not all alone at the moment. That would be my priority, rather than just making sure that she was speaking up about the cases. But yeah, once I am sure that she is doing well, [...], she seems okay, she thinks that she can open up, that's when I would slowly try to make sure that she tells me about it. And then I could help her in any way she wants [and] definitely give her the heads up [that she could] reach out to the right authority. So, before anything I would make sure that I serve her my humanity, you know what I mean? Like, a proper comfort to her.
Recommendations
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Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.
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Present learning materials in a way that is helpful to a friend supporting a victim/survivor.
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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.
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Allow victim/survivors to share their experiences and seek support when they are ready. Offer information about time limits for reporting when applicable.
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Make supports available to members of the university community who receive disclosures, or raise awareness of these supports within university communities where they already exist.
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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.