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For people who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment, the right support can make all the difference for their recovery and their seeking support from specialist services.
How you respond and support someone who has experienced sexual violence matters.
Start By Believing
It's not your job to determine if something did or did not happen.
When someone tells you they have experienced sexual violence you should start by believing them.
- Say things like "I believe you" or "it took a lot of courage to tell me about this, thank you" or "I'm sorry this happened, I am here to listen or help any way I can”.
- If you're not physically with them, ask if the person is safe right now. If they are not safe, help them to call 000.
- Ask if they want another trusted person with them right now.
- Check if they are comfortable with you (consider your gender, age and cultural safety)
- Ask before you touch. Even if you are trying to offer comfort.
- Avoid 'why' questions, which can leave people feeling blamed or judged.
Encourage Connection to Support
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault or harassment can be complex.
It's important to encourage a victim-survivor to connect with support and to seek support for yourself also.
- Encourage the person to connect with specialist services or specially trained UniSQ staff. Offer to call or visit these services with them.
- Don't assume that the person wishes to make a formal report to UniSQ or Police, but offer to share the information above if they want to hear it.
- If the person experienced an assault very recently, encourage them to see their GP or contact Safer Communities for further advice on medical care or forensic examination.
Plan for Safety
Encouraging the person to plan for their ongoing safety will aid their recovery and them feeling supported.
- Visit and work through 1800RESPECT safety planning resources together
- Encourage the person to connect with UniSQ Safer Communities around making a safety plan.
- If the person is an employee, they can contact People Portfolio for support around making a safety plan.
- Connect with UniSQ Security Team.
- Install the SafeZone app and login using your UniSQ email and password.