April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Click here to learn 5 steps to compassionately support survivors of sexual violence

Responding to disclosures of sexual assault can feel overwhelming. Try following this 5-step process to support our Mines community members.

Step 1: Listen – Make sure you eliminate any distractions to focus on actively listening to the individual. Use eye contact, avoid interruptions, and invite the individual to share as much or as little information as they feel comfortable.

Step 2: Validate – Avoid asking questions that place blame such as “why did you do...?” Let the individual know that you are glad they felt comfortable confiding in you and that you want to help.

Step 3: Ensure safety – Make sure you ask if the individual feels safe. If not, be ready to make a referral to professionals who are there to help.

Step 4: Refer/resources - The Counseling Center, Wellness Center, and SHAPE Office are confidential resources at Mines that survivors can utilize. Mines Police, OIE, Community Standards, and SOS are just a few of the non-confidential resources on campus that can assist survivors in understanding their rights and options.

Step 5: Empower – let the survivor know that they are in control of the next steps and that there is a wide range of resources available to them if they choose. Let the survivor know they are not alone.

*Note: All employees are classified as a Mandatory Reporter. If you work at Mines, make sure you disclose to the survivor your duty to report and their right to decide whether they wish to continue a disclosure to you.