We’re al in the same headspace
I just want to... it's kind of interesting that we're all in the same headspace. You know, if you were able to go to a location where the therapist is going to be confidential etc. And just, you know, how much weight is off your shoulders and this sigh of relief- you can just breathe when you walk in the room and you see a person of your skin colour when you're having to talk about something (pauses) you know, as sensitive as your sexuality as a man. I can't even find a word to describe how much that would have increased my comfort level to discuss what actually happened to me, so. That’s just, you know...
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.
-
Provide long-term support to victims/survivors through university services and/or through referals to external community-based agencies.
-
Including male students across cultures in discussions of sexual violence, gender stereotypes, and stereotypes of masculinity.
-
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.