Supporting survivors
A truly supportive community is one that is trauma-informed and survivor-centered.
This means understanding survivors to be the experts in their lives, and able to choose what is best for them at a particular moment in time. Respect for the diverse ways that survivors make sense of their experiences and choose to move forward is essential.
Build a community that supports survivors
- Listen to, and believe survivors when they disclose to you
- Remind a survivor that it was not their fault; the only person responsible for sexual violence is the person (or people) who chose to cause harm.
- Speak out against sexual violence, intervene (safely) in situations that promote rape culture or could escalate to sexual harassment or sexual assault.
What you can do right now
- Brush up on your communication and active listening skills and make sure your reactions are helpful, and not harmful. Find handouts on our Services & support page.
- Familiarize yourself with the on- and off-campus resources for people who have experienced sexual violence
- Get involved with groups or organizations that work to raise awareness about sexual violence, and find out about volunteering with SARC.