Sexual Violence Disclosure

1. RECOGNIZE indicators that someone may be experiencing mental health concerns;
   1. Be aware that experiencing sexual violence can be traumatic
   2. Be aware that a positive disclosure experience is key
   3. Be aware of cultural differences and power differences
   4. Be aware of health and physical safety needs

Disclosure refers to when someone discloses to another that they have experienced sexual violence.

If someone discloses an experience of sexual violence to you, it is probably because they trust and feel safe with you. That’s a big deal and something we want to respond to with care and respect.

Above all else, remember that when someone discloses their voice and their choices come first. They are in the best decision to make choices about what will be right for them.

An affected member of the University community may disclose for the purposes of receiving support without filing a report/complaint. A disclosure of sexual violence does not constitute a report/complaint of sexual violence.

1. RESPOND appropriately to someone who needs support, based on the indicators present and your relationship with them;
   1. Be compassionate and respectful
   2. Provide validation and non-judgmental support
   3. Don’t ask for more details to limit the amount of times the individual has to share their story but listen actively and emphatically to what they do share

What to Do and Say

A supportive response:

• DO listen
• DO believe
• DO be non-judgemental
• DO communicate that sexual violence is never the responsibility of the victim
• DO help the survivor identify and/or access services
• DO respect the survivor’s right to choose the  services they feel are most appropriate and to decide whether to report incident(s)

Here are some things you can say:

• I believe you
• What happened is not your fault
• You did not cause this
• It means a lot that you trusted me with this
• Tell me as much or as little as you want
• Can I look for some resources and support that might help?
• If you need someone to come with you, I will
• Is there something I can do to help?
• I'm here for you
• The decision on what to do next is yours
• Can I do something, like run an errand, to help you?
• Is there someone I can reach out to on your behalf for support?
• I will not share unless you ask me too
• I am so sorry this happened to you
• How can I support you?

Disclosure and Response Flowchart

1. REFER someone to supports and services in an appropriate way

• Share information about EDHRO
  • Email: edhr@laurentian.ca
  • Phone:  (705) 675-1151 ext. 3427
  • Location: Arts Building, A-113
• Share information about other resources
• If limits of confidentiality apply, inform the appropriate University official
• Follow-up and check-in with the individual as appropriate
• Consult and get support from the EDHRO as needed
• Duty to report: Disclosures of sexual violence must be brought to the Equity, Diversity and Human Rights Office if they meet any of the following limits to confidentiality:
  • There is a risk of harm (to self, others or the broader community)
  • There is an obligation by law (if the person disclosing to you is under 16 years of age)
  • There is an obligation by a regulatory body (if the accused belongs to a profession regulated by a college, such as social workers, nurses or physicians)

Assess immediate safety - is the survivor safe?

If survivor discloses to you an incident of sexual assault or sexual violence you will immediately assess the situation as an emergency situation or a non-emergency situation.

NO. Survivor is not safe

• Emergency
• There is an imminent threat of sexual violence and of harm to a person
• If immediate safety is at risk contact 911 and/or campus security at 705-673-6562
• DO inform survivor about emergency  medical services available at Health  Sciences North (VIPP Nurse)

YES. Survivor is currently safe

• Non-Emergency
• Immediate safety of survivor is not at risk and survivor is in a safe space

Non-Emergency Resources and Services

• If survivor is willing to accept referral, refer them to the resources listed on the reverse of this postcard
• If survivor is unwilling to report incident(s):
  • DO respect their decision and choice not to report the incident(s)
  • DO NOT report or investigate the incident(s) yourself
  • DO NOT pressure or coerce survivor into taking any course of action