3 ways to respond positively & effectively to disclosures of sexual violence
Taken from an article previously written by Corrina Zandakis, our CSUMB Campus Advocate
1 in 2 women and 1 in 6 men will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. Many will never report their assault to anyone. For those that do decide to share, the person they first tell is most often a friend or other trusted person.
That first experience of sharing what has happened can be one of the most important moments in a survivor’s healing process. If a survivor has a positive first experience in disclosing, they will be more likely to continue sharing and looking for support, help, and healing. If the survivor has a negative first experience in disclosing, they are more likely to blame themselves, not engage in any sort of police or university process, and may delay in seeking help when they need it. So responding appropriately, positively, and effectively to disclosures of sexual violence is paramount but what are some things we can all keep in mind to make sure we are responding in a good way?
