Survivors often first confide in people who are in a position of trust, such as a close friend or mentor. Our Sexualized Violence Response and Education Coordinator (SVREC) provides support for all members of the Acadia community who have been affected by sexualized violence. The SVREC can provide training and guidance for those interested in supporting survivors of sexualized violence.
When a survivor shares their story with you, it can be emotionally difficult and sometimes overwhelming, particularly if you have experienced past trauma yourself. If a survivor has confided in you and you are uncertain how to best support them, you are welcome to reach out. You can talk to the SVREC about how to care for your own needs while also ensuring that the survivor gets the care and support that they deserve.
You can explore the information below or read our guide We Believe You: A guide to responding to sexual violence disclosures with knowledge and compassion (PDF). This guide is for staff, faculty, students, and any member of our Acadia community. It will help you understand how to respond to disclosures with care and insight and how to direct survivors to resources where they can get support.
What if you're with a friend or in a public situation and you're not sure if someone is being abused? Gather information by asking questions. Check in and follow up with the potential victim. For example, if you see someone being treated in a way that makes you suspicious at a party, check in with that person later in the evening and make sure they're doing OK.
Can you draw the potential abuser's attention to something else, or send someone they know over to start a conversation with them? Can you pull the victim aside by asking them to help you clean something up, help you fix your makeup, hang out in a different room, etc.?
Sometimes just being near a potential victim is enough to stop abuse: it'll make it a public situation. Try to have conversations with the victim and keep hanging out with them.
If you can do it safely, call the perpetrator out on their behaviour.
If someone is being abusive, tell them they've got to go. Try to ask first. Depending on the situation, consider getting someone like a bouncer, campus security officer, etc. to ask the perpetrator to leave.
Be kind.
Someone has just told you she/he/they have been sexually assaulted. What can you do?
Learn more about how to help a friend at Break the Silence.
svrec@acadiau.caMessages responded to Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Sexual assault is a form of sexual harassment and is included in the definition of sexual harassment under the University’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy. Acadia University is committed to promoting and maintaining a respectful work, learning and living environment for all its community members on campus – one that is free of harassment, including all forms of sexual assault.
Acadia University Safety and Security Department and Equity Office will respond to and investigate all complaints of sexual assault confidentially with respect to the wishes of the complainant. Through these offices charges can be processed through the Non-Academic Judicial System or assistance provided in having the matter brought to the police, depending on the wishes of the complainant.
A complaint of sexual assault can be made through Acadia University’s Non-Academic Judicial System. This system will receive complaints and can impose sanctions. If you want to charge someone or have any questions about the Non-Academic Judicial System please contact: Steve Hassapis, Student Development Coordinator, or phone 585-1825
Acadia University supports any members of our community who experience sexual assault. Acadia University will work with community agencies in the aftermath of a sexual assault, including but not limited to, local police, hospitals, advocacy groups and counselling.
