At UNBC, everyone is invited to be part of the conversation about how to prevent and respond to sexualized violence. How you respond to a disclosure can have a significant impact on what a survivor does next. Responding in a non-judgmental way, prioritizing the safety of those impacted by sexualized violence, and providing options and choices on what to do next will help to avoid re-traumatizing or re-victimizing someone who has disclosed to you. Respecting and honoring survivors’ choices are ways we can be survivor-centred and trauma-informed.
How to receive a disclosure
While it can be hard to know what to say and what to do when someone discloses, just remember that it takes COURAGE to disclose and therefore we owe it to survivors to respond appropriately.
COURAGE
COURAGE
One of the most powerful ways to support a survivor is to start by believing them. Clearly and sincerely affirm that you believe their experience. This helps build trust, reduce shame, and create a foundation for healing.
UNBC has developed a dedicated resource page designed to help connect survivors with the support that best fits their needs. This tool can be a helpful starting point, and you are always welcome to reach out directly to the Response and Support Team for personalized guidance and support.
A disclosure is a survivor’s story to share. It is essential to handle the information with sensitivity and uphold confidentiality to the greatest extent possible. However, there may be situations where you are obligated to report, such as when there is a threat to someone’s health or safety.
One of the most empowering things you can do after someone experiences sexualized violence is to offer choices and respect their decisions. It’s also important to honor their personal boundaries, which may shift following the incident or change over time as they process their experience.
Every survivor’s response is valid. How someone reacts can be shaped by their culture, identity, lived experiences, and the context of the incident. There is no single or “correct” way to respond—what matters most is supporting the survivor without judgment.
Reassure the survivor that what happened is not their fault—sexualized violence is never the responsibility of the person who experienced it. Validating their experience helps foster trust and lets them know they are deserving of support and care.
Respond with compassion and understanding. You don’t need to have all the answers; what matters most is listening without judgment, acknowledging their feelings, and showing that you care. A simple, heartfelt response can make a meaningful difference in a survivor’s experience.
Receiving a disclosure can be difficult
Following a disclosure, you may find yourself needing support as well. Hearing about someone else’s painful or difficult experience can be challenging. It’s important to recognize the limits of what you can do and understand that you cannot control how a survivor will respond. Take the time to reflect on your own needs and seek support if necessary. Feel free to reach out to the Response and Support Team or any of the on-campus or off-campus resources available to you. Taking care of yourself is essential while helping others.