Help A Friend
Here’s How You Can Help
If someone you know within the Liberty University community has experienced sexual misconduct, we can help you help them. Whether you’re a friend, roommate, CGL, RD, or concerned member of our faculty or staff, we can point you to resources that you can share, as well as provide support for you through the process.
Listen
Refer
Report, as required
Other Ways You Can Help
While you are not expected to act as a counselor, when you are with someone who has experienced sexual misconduct, you should be aware that the supportiveness of your response can be critical in the healing process. Though there is no one “right” way to respond, the following may serve as a guide in identifying helpful responses:
- Give the victim your complete attention
- Validate the victim’s feelings
- Tell the victim:
- “I believe you”
- “This was not your fault”
- “You have options”
- “Thank you for coming forward”
- Offer the victim options:
- To sit or stand
- To share more or be silent
- To call referral agencies or not, or to have you call
- Ask the victim what they need
- Remind the victim that they are not alone, that other people of all genders have experienced sexual misconduct
- Provide the victim with information about the resources available to them, including confidential counseling, medical resources and reporting resources
- If necessary suggest to the victim that they preserve evidence
- Follow up with the victim
- Complete and submit the Incident Reporting Form if you are a Responsible Employee
- Take care of yourself after dealing with the situation. Get support for yourself if you need it. Consider speaking with a confidential resource.