Why reporting sexual assault is a complex and personal decision

Reading Time: 5 minutes If you or a friend have experienced sexual assault or harassment, it’s important to know that there isn’t one “right” way to proceed. Here are some of the resources that are available to survivors.

Want to help protect against sexual assault? Make respect the norm

Reading Time: 7 minutes Here’s what can you do to foster a more positive and respectful campus culture.

What is the Title IX office and how can it help me?

Reading Time: 5 minutes The Title IX office is an important resource at your school that you should be familiar with. Here’s why.

How to step in when you see someone experiencing unwanted pressure or harassment

Reading Time: 8 minutes Learn what you can do if you see someone experiencing unwanted pressure or harassment. Here are key strategies for bystander intervention.

What is alcohol myopia? And what does it mean for sexual consent?

Reading Time: 6 minutes Understanding the connection between alcohol and sexual assault can help us foster stronger, more respectful communities.

Sexual health, culture, and relationships: Our experts answer your questions

Reading Time: 13 minutes Is campus safety improving in terms of sexual assault? How can you talk to your partner about sex in a healthy, nonjudgmental way? Our sexual literacy experts answer these and other important questions.

What to say when your friend’s been sexually assaulted

Reading Time: 2 minutes

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No one wants to think that our friends or acquaintances might have been sexually assaulted or abused. Yet statistics suggest that we all know survivors, whether or not we’re aware of it. Sexual assault and abuse survivors who receive positive social support are less likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or substance abuse issues, research shows. “When a survivor of sexual violence chooses to disclose to a friend, this friend can help set the tone for the recovery process,” says Kelly Addington, founder of One Student, an advocacy organization addressing sexual assault in student communities. “Focusing on the survivor and how you can support them is much better than focusing on the attack.”
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I believe you

It means a lot that you trusted me with this

You did not cause this

May I look for some resources that might help?

If you need someone to come with you, I will

I’m here for you

Tell me as much or as little as you want

I’ll support whatever you choose to do

How do you want me to act when I see [the perpetrator]?

The decision about what to do next is yours

It wasn’t your fault

What can I do to support you?

What would help you feel empowered and safe?

I won’t share this unless you ask me to*

*Or, if you are a mandated reporter, discuss up front the implications for confidentiality.

I’m sorry this happened to you

How are you doing?

Want to hang out or do something fun?