Give Support
Receiving a disclosure of sexual and gender-based violence can be hard. We are here to help.
Receiving a disclosure of sexual or gender-based violence can be difficult. We can talk you through it.
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Office can offer education, coaching and resources to those who have received disclosures of or witnessed sexual or gender-based violence. If you need help giving support and responding to these disclosures, we can help.
Start with Believing
“I believe you” is one line every survivor of sexual and gender-based violence needs to hear. The most important thing for you to say and a survivor to hear is a positive message, such as, “It’s not your fault and when you’re ready, I’m here to support you.”
Receiving a positive first response has proven to be fundamental to a survivor’s next steps. It can increase their ability and desire to seek emotional, medical, and reporting support. Receiving a negative first response can shut a survivor down, significantly decreasing the chances that they will reach out for further support.
Resources for Download
Through a trauma informed approach, the University of Calgary has developed downloadable resources for supporters and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including self-care colouring books and informative postcards.