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Be Transparent.

If you have an obligation as a ����̽̽ Reporter to share any information someone discloses to you about their experiences with gender-based, sexual or relationship violence, let the person know right away, and remind them they can always seek support from a confidential resource (listed below). Learn more about ����̽̽ reporters and your obligations.

Listen.

Not every person who experiences violence will come forward to disclose or share their story. If you start seeing changes in behavior from a friend, colleague, or peer such as difficulty concentrating, frequent absences from classes or work, and/or a decline in academic or work performance, consider whether it might be related to sexual violence, relationship violence, and/or harassment. If so, you should encourage them to contact HOPE Works, CAPS, the Title IX Coordinator in EO, and/or Police Services. EO's support coordinators are available to provide support information and reporting options too.

Some survivors will want to talk about their experiences. If so, keep their privacy. It is a survivor's decision when and whether to tell others about what happened. Don’t push them to reveal details about the incident or ask questions, even if you're curious. Sexual misconduct occurs against people of all genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.

Validate.

Acknowledge their sadness, anger, fear, or confusion or other emotions. Let them know that all of these feelings are normal after experiencing sexual violence. Assure them that they aren't alone.

• If a survivor was impaired during the assault, assure them that they aren't to blame for what happened.
• If a survivor feels guilty because they didn't fight back, assure them that fear sometimes inhibits us.
• Tell them that they did the best they could to survive the situation and that no one deserves to be sexually assaulted.
• Don’t blame survivors for what happened by asking them things like why they were drinking, why they didn't fight back, what they were wearing, or by telling them what you would have done.

If you learn that a friend or colleague has caused sexual harm, you should strongly encourage the individual to engage with any of the support resources (see below), including counseling for emotional support.

• It's incredibly important to be informed about ����̽̽ policies, as this is a key component of prevention. Review the policies related to sexual misconduct and harm.
• Engage with the Center for Health and Wellbeing for opportunities to learn about bystander intervention and healthy relationships. Visit Living Well in the Davis Center to get started.
• Reach out to Office of Equal Opportunity staff members who are available for questions about ����̽̽ resources and procedures.

Resources Available to Someone Accused of Causing Sexual Harm

• Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS): Confidential counseling services for students (802) 656-3340
• : Confidential counseling services for ����̽̽ employees. (802) 864-3270
• ����̽̽ Student Health Services: Confidential health care services for students. (802) 656-3350
• Equal Opportunity is available to assist individuals who have questions about the ����̽̽ investigation and alternative resolution process, or who are in need of interim measures such as no-contact orders, class changes, and other supports, as appropriate. AAEO is available to assist both complainants and respondents. Phone: (802) 656-3368
• ����̽̽ Identity Centers (non-confidential)
• Office of International Education: (802) 656-4296
• ����̽̽ Dean of Students Office (non-confidential): (802) 656-3380
• Catamount Recovery Program: Substance use recovery support