Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence

A disclosure is when someone shares information about an incident of sexual violence, to learn about and/or receive support in their experience. A person affected by sexual violence is not required to make a formal complaint in order to obtain support, services or accommodations for their needs.

Sexual violence is any unwanted sexualized act, which can be physical or psychological in nature. Sexual violence is not about passion: it is an abuse of power and includes threats or acts of sexual assault, harassment, indecent exposure or voyeurism.

Sexual harassment means engaging in a pattern of sexualized behaviour that is known, or ought to be known, to be unwanted.

This includes:

• unwanted sexual attention
• a promised (implied or explicit) reward for engaging in sexual behavior
• a threat (implied or explicit) of reprisal for not engaging in sexual activity

Sexual assault is any unwanted touching or physical contact of a sexual nature imposed on one person by another. This includes coerced or physically forced touching or a sexual act.

Consent is an active, direct, voluntary, unimpaired and conscious choice to engage in sexual activity.

Consent:

• cannot be given when impaired under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• cannot be assumed or implied
• cannot be given by silence or the absence of “no”
• can be revoked at any point

Intoxication does not excuse a failure to get consent.

No one ever deserves to be sexually assaulted. It does not matter what the survivor did or did not do before, during or after the assault.

• Tell them that what happened is not their fault.
• Avoid asking “why” questions.
• Validated the feelings they are expressing (i.e., “It is normal to feel this way”).

It takes tremendous courage to speak out. Give the survivor space to talk and try not to interrupt.

• Reassure them that the information will remain confidential.
• Silence is okay. People need time to process an overwhelming situation.
• Actively listen through body language (i.e., nodding, maintaining eye contact, etc.) and through your words (i.e., “It took a lot of courage for you to tell me this”).

Let the survivor know that supports are available to them, if they want them. If it is an emergency, refer them to Campus Safety Services. If it is not an emergency, refer them to Equity and Inclusive Communities.

• Give them back as much control as possible to make decisions regarding what to do next. Survivors are the experts in their own lives.
• Remember, the student may or may not access the supports that you have suggested.

Remind them that your door is always open if they need additional support.

If you have received a disclosure, practice self-care by seeking support if you need it.

Equity and Inclusive Communities can assist in referring you to supports and to debrief if needed. Do not share the story with your colleagues, friends or family members. Confidentiality is important for the safety and well-being of the survivor.