What to do when you receive a disclosure?

1. Ensure immediate safety (physical, medical, mental health). If the person is in danger, offer to assist in calling 911.
2. Be there and give the person your total attention. Provide nonjudgmental support.
3. What should I say?
   •  I’m sorry this happened to you.
   • It wasn’t your fault.
   • Thank you for trusting me with this information.
   • I’m always here if you want to talk.
   • Can I help you get connected to resources?

Who to contact for help?

• Refer the person to others who are trained in helping and intervening in these situations.
• Help the person get medical care if needed. On-campus and off-campus medical assistance is available.
• Encourage the person to seek supportive measures.
• Direct the person to on-campus and community resources.
• Let the person know they can contact the Title IX coordinator to request supportive measures and adjustments such as no-contact directives, housing relocation, adjustment of schedules, time off, etc.
• Help the person consider whether to make a report with Viterbo or with the police.

Initiating Viterbo University support?

• Faculty and staff have the duty to report all sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, or violence of which they are aware. Be sure to notify the person of your obligation to report.
• Frame your duty to report as an opportunity to provide supportive measures. Your duty to report stems from Viterbo’s commitment to getting its community members the information and resources they need to make an informed decision, if they want to take any next steps.
• Clarify that the information may not be kept confidential but can be kept private.
• Encourage them to share their story: the person needs to know that you care, and you want to help them however you can. Encourage them to share but avoid pushing them to provide the entire story.
• Find more on-campus and community resources.

An informative, and short, Ted Talk on talking with victims.