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

Get toll-free numbers for other Nova Scotia regions

 

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Asian Female

What if her future husband knows this?

First of all, as we all know, this [sexual assault] is something that can damage the honor of that friend. What if her future boyfriend knows about this? What if her future husband know this, right? You need to understand that what she thinks about it - or [the assault can] even leave the PTSD afterwards. And some students - if - especially international students here, who are from places where sex is a taboo topic, or even you get a penalised for adultery. That alone we can take enormous courage, determination to stand up, when no one else shares concerns. You know, thinking that no one gonna believe you or take you seriously can be enough to discourage people from uh, speaking up their concerns.

Recommendations

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

  • Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.

  • 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.

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

  • 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.