Supporting Someone
Listen
- Listen openly and be supportive, refrain from judgmental questions, don’t allow myths to affect how you perceive the situation.
- Encourage the person to seek supportive measures, confidential and non-confidential campus and community options are available.
- If the person is in danger, offer to assist them with accessing emergency services if that is the safest option for them.
Support
- “Thank you for trusting me, I value your safety and experience. I would like to connect you with resources that can be supportive to you and as a staff member of ϳԹ I am required to report matters like this to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX for your safety. Their office can connect you with resources where you can discuss your experience and seek support if you need it. I can’t promise an outcome, but I can promise that there are options available to you if you are interested. If there is anything that you need to feel safer on campus, you can speak with a staff member if the Title IX Office.”
Report
- Report the incident to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX through an or via email at titleix@kent.edu.
- Reports should be as detailed as possible, including full names and contact information (if known), the date/time/location of the incident, a description of the incident, and how you became aware of the incident. Please respond promptly if a Title IX staff member reaches out to you for more information.
- Survivors of crimes such as sexual assault, stalking, domestic or dating violence are strongly encouraged to report the crime to law enforcement.
- Inform the individuals about supportive measures, campus resources, and procedures offered by the university.
Additional Tips
What to say:
I’m sorry this happened to you; it wasn’t your fault.
Thank you for trusting me with this information; I am always here if you want to talk.
Can I help you get connected to resources or services?
What not to say:
It was your fault; you could have avoided that if you had ___________.
It’s not that big of a deal; it happens to lots of people.
You wanted it, you were asking for it; I don’t believe you.
It’s been so long since that happened, get over it; don’t even bother reporting it.