How we react to disclosures of sexual assault significantly impacts a survivor’s healing process.1 58-94% of survivors seek informal support from a loved one.2 It’s important we learn how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault, as research shows that the way others respond to disclosure can have a great impact on a survivor’s mental…
To victim-blame is to explicitly state or imply that the person who experienced a crime or an act of violence is fully or partially to blame for what happened. Survivors of sexual assault face victim-blaming that is more stigmatizing and silencing than those who are victims of other crimes.1 The intensity of victim-blaming can also…
A bystander is anyone who witnesses an event/incident happen. Bystanders can observe a variety of situations, ranging from a minor disagreement to serious emergency. Their actions–or inactions– significantly affect the outcome of the situation. Understanding the Bystander 1 The Bystander Effect The bystander effect is a social phenomenon where people do not intervene in a…
What is the Bystander Effect? The concept of the bystander effect 1 was popularized by social psychologists in 1964 following the infamous murder of Kitty Genovese. Kitty was brutally attacked outside her apartment in New York City. It was reported that dozens of neighbors either witnessed the attack or heard her cries for help, yet…
Experiencing assault is a traumatic event that can trigger intense and instinctive reactions in the body. These reactions are commonly known as the fight or flight response. However, there are two more reactions that often get overlooked, known as “freeze” and “fawn.” Understanding these responses is crucial for survivors and those who support them, as…
In the aftermath of sexual violence and assault, the emotional and psychological impact can feel overwhelming. Survivors often face a complex mix of feelings and reactions that may be out of character. Reactions such as hyperarousal and hypervigilance are common experiences and are symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. 1-3 This contributes to misconceptions and…
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