After surviving sexual violence, victim-survivors often feel pressured by others, or even by themselves, to file a report to the police. Survivors are often victim-blamed and not believed when they choose not to report. Sometimes, others even try to suggest that the survivor is responsible if the perpetrator continues to harm others, and survivors may…
Everyone knows a survivor, whether or not they are aware of it. Research demonstrates that at least 54% of women, 44% of men, and 47% of transgender/gender non-conforming individuals have experienced contact sexual violence in their lifetime.1,2 Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to informally disclose to a loved one than file a formal…
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…
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…
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…
Bystander intervention is the act of stepping in to prevent or stop inappropriate, harmful, or dangerous behavior. This approach can make a significant difference in various situations, from stopping bullying to preventing potential assaults. Understanding how to intervene safely and effectively is crucial for creating a safer, more supportive community. Here, we will explore different…
It can be really difficult when a friend discloses to us that another friend has perpetrated sexual violence. But it’s not our business, right? It’s unfair for our friends to ask us to pick a side, right? Wrong. While that mindset is fine for a conflict between mutual friends, sexual violence is not an interpersonal…
Survivors don’t always get the responses they deserve when they disclose. This can be especially true for survivors who do not fit the stereotypical image of a sexual assault survivor, such as male survivors. Hear four courageous men share how people in their lives responded when they disclosed to them, and how they wish they’d…
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…
The way we respond when someone shares with us that they are a survivor of sexual or domestic violence can greatly influence their healing journey. A supportive response can promote healing and strengthen the relationship you have with one another, but an unsupportive response can retraumatize the survivor and have a negative impact on their…
When someone you love has PTSD, or any unresolved trauma, it’s understandable that you want to know how to support them. No one intrinsically knows exactly what their loved one will need when healing from trauma. The best thing you can do is to ask your loved one directly what they’d like to see from…
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