1. Assess Immediate Safety

• If possible, have a conversation somewhere the survivor feels comfortable and where their privacy is secure. Ask if their immediate safety is at risk.
• If the immediate safety of the survivor or any other member of the community is at risk, contact Security Services at 416-736-5333 or Ext. 33333 and/or 911 but ensure you notify them that you are doing so.416-736-5211
• If immediate safety is not at risk, ensure they are staying somewhere they feel safe/comfortable.

Please Note: Security Services will only contact Police Services with the consent of the survivor unless it is assessed that there is an imminent risk to the safety of an individual or the broader community.

2. Inform the Survivor of Limitations to Confidentiality

It is your responsibility to inform the person making the disclosure of any limits to confidentiality before they disclose identifying information. If you are unsure of any limitations to confidentiality, offer to refer them to the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (301 York Lanes, 416-736-5211, thecentre@yorku.ca)

Limits of Confidentiality include:

1. if an individual is deemed to be in immediate danger of self-harm. 
2. if an individual is deemed to be in immediate danger of harming someone else.
3. if there's reason to believe that either the University community or the broader community is at immediate risk of harm.
4. when the University is legally obligated to conduct an investigation or take action, such as incidents involving minors or obligations under occupational health and safety or human rights legislation.

3. Listen Without Judgment

Supporting a survivor of sexual violence requires a trauma-informed approach that revolves around respect, patience, and empowerment.

When communicating support and concern, prioritize their agency and well-being.

• Allow the survivor to control the conversation pace, permitting them to share their experiences uninterrupted. Offer breaks as needed, understanding the emotional toll this process can take. Actively listen to their words, acknowledging the strength it took to come forward. Avoid dismissive or victim-blaming statements. Upholding their dignity, offer assistance without judgment.
• Refrain from prying into the specific details of the incident. Intrusive questioning can make them feel unheard and judged, hindering their ability to share. Prioritize their comfort and autonomy.
• When it comes to physical contact, always ask for consent. Understand that some survivors may not be comfortable with physical contact due to their experiences. Respect their boundaries, knowing that their refusal isn't a reflection of your intentions.
• Create a safe space for decision-making. Give them the time and freedom to decide what steps align with their needs. Avoid pressuring or imposing decisions. Your role is to offer unwavering support as they navigate their path toward healing.

4. Refer them to the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education

An important part of supporting a person who has experienced sexual violence is to provide them with information about their options and the resources that are available to them. Navigating university and community resources after experiencing sexual violence can be difficult. Your role is to assist the survivor in connecting with the appropriate office.

• Recommend that the survivor contact the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (301 York Lanes, 416-736-5211, thecentre@yorku.ca).
  • If the survivor would like to call the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education or a community agency, offer to sit with them as they place the call.  
  • If appropriate and feasible, offer to accompany the survivor to the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education or community resources of their choice.
• Respect the survivor's choice of whether to report the incident(s) to Security Services or to Police Services. Do not report the incident(s) yourself. Do not pressure the survivor to seek further assistance if they decline to do so.

If at any point, you are unsure on how to proceed, contact the Centre for Sexual Violence Response, Support & Education (301 York Lanes, 416-736-5211, thecentre@yorku.ca).