The following is recommended:

If approached by a someone who's experienced sexual violence it is important to be aware that the individual is choosing to tell you about a very traumatic incident. Active listening will be a key skill as well as emotional support, guidance and direction. The following is recommended when interacting with a victim of sexual violence:

• Address them by name.
• Introduce yourself by name and position and explain your role at the university. This is also the time to tell the victim of your reporting obligations and whether or not you can maintain confidentiality. Victims of sexual harassment or sexual violence need clear boundaries and role definitions from those professionals who offer help because their personal boundaries have been violated.
• Be non-judgmental. Do not blame them in any way for their experience.
• Be mindful that they may be emotionally distraught or even in shock.
• Share on-campus and off-campus resources. Resources can include reporting to the police or filing a formal complaint with Student Support & Conduct. Other resources include the university Victim Advocates, Counseling Services, and supportive measures provided by Student Conduct. Inform the victim of resources that are confidential and those that are not.
• Be patient, and if necessary, repeat what options are available. They may be in shock therefore may not hear everything the first time you say it.
• Provide them with a Sexual Violence Resource Booklet that outlines all of the resources and information you have shared with them.
• Follow your specific reporting obligations if you have them.

The following is not recommended when interacting with a victim of sexual violence:

• “Why” questions.
• Questions about what a person was wearing or how much they had to drink.
• Any statement that begins with “at least…” or “if only you hadn’t…”
• Any question that asks if they are sure it was sexual assault.
• Any statements that normalize sexual assault (“it happens,” “it’s just sex,”).
• Any statement that you cannot be sure of (“I know it will be ok,” “I promise you everything will work out,” “Everything happens for a reason”).