Someone disclosed to you they were sexually assaulted, how should you respond?
Do….
Listen and believe them
Validate their feelings about the incident
Show them you support and care about them
Help them find resources or make a complaint
Understand your own limits and comfort level, encourage them to talk to a trained professional like a counsellor, social worker, or healthcare provider
Do not…
Push them to go into detail about the incident
Minimize what happened to them
Tell anyone without the permission of the victim
Force them to go to the hospital or police
Most importantly, make sure that person is
safe, heard and supported.
If they would like help filing a report, here are some Reporting Options:
•Kingston Police Services – 613-549-4660
•Campus Security and Emergency Services – 613 544-5400 x 5555
•Student Rights & Responsibilities Officer – 613 544-5400 x 1434
•For non-emergencies, please make a report to the Behavioural Intervention Team.
Resources