Library and Student Support
When a student makes a disclosure of sexual or physical assault
What should you be aware of?
A situation of disclosure such as this is rare, but when it happens it is vitally important that a sensitive and effective response is made. Any disclosures must be reported to the Cause for Concern team or the Designated Safeguarding Officer (see page 6).
Out of office hours, the concern can be referred to the Security Team. If the student does not give you permission to disclose, you may make the referral of the scenario without the student’s details – this will enable support specialists to consider options with you. You are not expected to be an expert in responding to disclosures of this kind, though here are some general ‘Do’s’ and ‘Don’ts’ to assist with any initial response:
What should you do? What should you not do? Do
Don’t Make safety the priority.
Explain the limits of confidentiality as well as giving an explanation about what will happen if you do have to share information – share information safely.
Preserve evidence / keep a record of the enquiry, disclosure and actions.
Take an empowering approach (e.g. give the person control of the decisions and actions that they can take). Allow them to do things for themselves.
Seek to build their confidence by acknowledging steps they have taken to cope.
Explain the options available and what you can do (as well as the limits of what you can do).
Speak to them somewhere private where possible. Give an emotional response if you want to. Believe.
Use accredited interpreters. Make assumptions or judgements.
Blame the victim – such as asking what they had done to cause the violence or acting as if it was their fault.
Act like you don’t care, act dismissively or suggest that this disclosure isn’t a ‘big deal’.
Get frustrated because they won’t leave the relationship or suggest that they leave the relationship without any safety mechanisms in place.
Suggest that they should ‘try again’. Make decisions for them.
Discuss where others can hear/see. Be overtly shocked.
Confront the perpetrator or act as a go-between. Suggest or attempt any joint work.
For more information visit:
http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/support/unihelp Call UniHelp on: 020 8411 6060 | 15
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