Supporting survivors
A truly supportive community is one that is trauma-informed and survivor-centered.
This means understanding survivors to be the experts in their lives, and able to choose what is best for them at a particular moment in time. Respect for the diverse ways that survivors make sense of their experiences and choose to move forward is essential.
Build a community that supports survivors
- Listen to, and believe survivors when they disclose to you
- Remind a survivor that it was not their fault; the only person responsible for sexual violence is the person (or people) who chose to cause harm.
- Speak out against sexual violence, intervene (safely) in situations that promote rape culture or could escalate to sexual harassment or sexual assault.
What you can do right now
- Brush up on your communication and active listening skills and make sure your reactions are helpful, and not harmful. Find handouts on our Services & support page.
- Familiarize yourself with the on- and off-campus resources for people who have experienced sexual violence
- Get involved with groups or organizations that work to raise awareness about sexual violence, find out about volunteering with SARC, or contact the LIVE centre for information about volunteering at organizations in Montreal.