What to Do If Someone Discloses to You:
If someone tells you about an experience with sexual assault, be supportive, but don't try to be an expert. Refer the survivor to professionals who are trained to help.
You can support someone by saying things like:
I'm glad you're alive.
It's not your fault.
I believe you.
I'm sorry it happened.
You survived. You did the right things.
DO: - Be a good listener.
- Assist the survivor in getting the help she/he needs and wants. This may mean connecting her/him with campus resources like the PLU Victim Advocate, Campus Safety or the Counseling Center.
- Believe her/him
- Affirm the fact the offender is to blame and only the offender is responsible for his/her action.
- Support the survivor's right to be in control. Allow her/him to decide who to tell, when to tell, and what to do
DON'T:- Don't give the survivor advice or make decisions for him/her.
- Don't tell the survivor that you think she/he is lying, no matter how upsetting or confusing her/his experience seems to you.
- Don't blame the survivor.
- Don't ask the survivor questions that begin with "Why?"
- Don't ask what the survivor was wearing when assaulted.
- Don't take responsibility for the other person's problems.
- Don't interpret her/his words. Instead, paraphrase her/his words.
IF THIS IS AN IMMEDIATE CRISIS:- Call Campus Safety x7911 if an imminent safety threat exists
- Offer the survivor the option of contacting the PLU Victim Advocate or Sexual Assault Center of Pierce County 24hour hotline
- Advocates can help explain medical and legal options and help connect the survivor with other resources
- Encourage the survivor to seek medical attention
- PLU Health Center offers STD/STI tests, pregnancy tests and Plan B (emergency contraception)
- Tacoma General Hospital offers rape kits and specialized services for sexual assault victims
- Rape kits are most accurate when performed within 72 hours of the attack
