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How To Help Survivors
A disclosure of an experience with gender-based and sexual violence is separate from a formal complaint, and does not require a formal complain be submitted. The Gender-Based Violence & Survivor Support Case Managers are there to connect survivors with resources and support, regardless of whether a formal complaint is submitted.
If Someone Has Disclosed Gender-Based Sexual Violence
Survivors are not required to file a formal complaint to access support, however any staff, faculty, or student leaders who recieve a disclosure from a 成人大片 student of gender-based & sexual violence are required to complete the . This is separate from a formal complaint, and allows the Gender-Based Violence & Survivor Support Case Managers to connect survivors with resources and support.
Please note: After completing the disclosure form, the student will receive an automated reply email. To access additional supports or contact case managers, they must reply to this email.
Next Steps
The assistance that you will be able to provide to a survivor/victim of gender-based and sexual violence will depend on the nature, timing, and ongoing effects of the incident(s).
- Help the individual find a safe environment.
- Inform the individual about options for medical attention. Even if there are no apparent injuries, there may be internal injuries. In London, immediate care and counselling support is available at the (go to Urgent Care). Support is provided regardless of gender. The Centre will provide support to the survivor in making choices and understanding options. Options include treatment of injuries, emotional support and crisis intervention, pregnancy prevention, the testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infection, safety planning and referrals.
- Inform the individual about preserving evidence. At the Regional Sexual Assault Domestic Violence Treatment Program, the survivor will be provided the option of collecting forensic (physical) evidence. The survivor may choose to use this evidence later on or not at all. Survivors have the most options available to them within the first 72 hours (3 days) following a sexual assault however certain evidence can be collected up to 12 days after the sexual assault.
- Believe the survivor. It is not your role to question whether the violence occurred.
- The survivor is not to blame. No one deserves to be a victim of sexual violence no matter what the circumstances. Even if the survivor feels responsible, say clearly, “It was not your fault”.
- Help the survivor explore options. You may use the resources listed on this website. You may accompany the survivor to any resources they wish to go to, as a support person. Give the survivor the freedom to choose the services that they feel will be most beneficial and supportive. Support the survivor’s choices, even if you would make different choices.
- Avoid any re-victimization. A survivor is capable of taking care of themselves. Allow the survivor to maintain control unless you are given permission or requested to assist. Resist passing judgment about how the survivor has handled the situation. Do not ask questions out of curiosity. Do not make excuses for the perpetrator’s actions.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or make a referral. Be aware of the limits of your own abilities and boundaries in supporting a survivor. Several resources are listed here and you are encouraged to share these resources with the survivor or access them for your own support. If you are not sure what to do next or where to call, you may call Human Rights Office for assistance. The Human Rights Office can help direct you (either as survivor or a support person) to resources for academic and workplace accommodations, changes to living arrangements in residence, and other emotional and health supports and resources.
- Believe the individual. Do not question their experience or make excuses for the other person’s behaviour.
- Encourage the individual to document incidents and keep evidence. Dates, times, locations, specifics about what happened, witnesses, copies of emails and texts, phone logs, etc.
- Refer the individual to the Human Rights Office. You should also contact the Human Rights Office to discuss the incident and attain advice, particularly if you are in an administrative or academic role.