Instructions for dealing with sexual assault disclosure
- If approached by a student who discloses that she/he has been sexually assaulted, calmly listen to the survivor without making judgmental comments. Let survivors know that you believe them and remind them that the assault was in no way their fault.
- If she/he is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, immediately call 911 and Campus Security (416)736-5333 (or ext. 33333). If you know Emergency CPR, begin preliminary first aid until help arrives. Provide your contact information to the survivor so that you can follow-up to ensure that s/he is receiving proper treatment.
- If the survivor is NOT experiencing a life-threatening emergency, follow these steps to guide you in providing assistance.
If they disclose within 24-72 hours after the assault:
- For a more comprehensive list of resources refer to the Resources page.
- You can also provide survivors with a copy of the Sexual Assault Support Resources. You can request copies of the booklet from the Office of Student Conflict Resolution at 416-736-5231 or oscr@yorku.ca.
- Offer to review information in the booklet with the survivor. If s/he would like to visit one of the services on campus, offer to go with her/him to help with check-in.
- If they would like to call an off-campus resource, where appropriate, you can offer to call for them.
- Before parting, provide your contact information to survivors (or ask if they are willing to share their contact information) and let them know that they can follow-up so that you can ensure that they are receiving proper treatment. This is only an option; do not insist they follow up. If they do share their information, it is important that you follow up.
If they would like to seek medical assistance (non-life threatening emergency)
- Contact Security and ask them to deliver a taxi chit to where you are located. Offer to accompany the survivor to the hospital or help the survivor determine if a trusted friend or relative is available to travel with him or her. Take the taxi directly to Women’s College Hospital (for a more comprehensive list of health services in the GTA, see the Resources page under Medical Support).
Office of Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR)
Telephone: 416-736-5231 or ext 55231
Fax: 416-736-5565
Location: W128 Bennett Centre for Student Services
Email: oscr@yorku.ca
