TIPS ON HOW TO RESPOND EXAMPLES ON WHAT YOU COULD SAY OR DO
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Remind the person that you are not a confidential resource.
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“Before we continue, it’s important you know that as a campus employee, if I learn of any incident of sexual violence or sexual harassment, I am required to share that information with OPHD. Sexual violence and sexual harassment include sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, invasions of sexual privacy, and retaliation. I’m letting you know this so that you can choose how much you want to share with me. I also want to let you know there are confidential resources available to you.”
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Create a comfortable and private environment. Appreciate the person for connecting with you.
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“Thank you for trusting me, I imagine it can be difficult to share. Do you feel comfortable talking here or is there somewhere else you would prefer?”
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Listen actively and respond without blame, doubt, or judgment, and without attempting to investigate.
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“I want to support you, whatever you decide to do.”
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Offer a warm referral to the CARE and provide the Notice of Rights and Options for Survivors of SVSH.
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“I want to help you get the support you deserve and information about your options. There are trained, confidential advocates at CARE who can help, whatever you decide. Let’s call an advocate together and then you can decide if you want to make an appointment.” Call the 209-386-2051 for confidential support. A warm person-to-person interaction and referral from someone familiar can make a huge difference for the impacted person.
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Share what you learned with OPHD.
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Contact OPHD by completing their online reporting webform, emailing ophd@ucmerced.edu, or calling 209-355-0352. For information, visit ophd.merced.edu.
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Take care of yourself.
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Learning that someone you know experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment can be difficult. It is common to feel angry, sad, anxious, overwhelmed, and to experience symptoms of vicarious trauma or a reactivation of your own traumatic experiences. Remember that there are resources available to support you as well. Consider calling CARE at 209-386-2051 or calling Insight Employee Assistance Program at 800-422-5322, for confidential support.
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