Tips for Responding to a Disclosure
Tips for Responding to a Disclosure
If someone shares with you an experience of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, below are some things to keep in mind:
- Listen without judgment.
- Don't ask for details.
- Know and be clear and up-front about your ability to maintain confidentiality or not- all employees are required to make a report to CRC once made aware of conduct.
- Support their choices, even if you disagree.
- Encourage them to seek support.
- If they indicate they are struggling with their university commitments due to the situation, let them know that CRC may be able to assist with supportive measures, such as:
- Counseling
- Extensions of time or other course-related adjustments
- Modifications of work or class schedules
- Mutual restrictions on contact between the parties (no-contact order)
- Changes in work or housing locations
- Leaves of absence
- Other changes to academic, living, dining, transportation, and working situations
- Beyond meeting your reporting obligations, keep the information private and don’t talk about it to others.
Other Helpful Resources
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network) and how to
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
To talk to someone anonymously and confidentially 24/7 in Spanish or English, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline is available by phone at 800.656.4673 and can be accessed at rainn.org/es in Spanish or in English at online.rainn.org.
Learn about the effects of sexual violence
