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If
you or someone you know experienced a sexual assault, relationship
violence, sexual harassment or stalking:
Be
patient with yourself and do not be afraid to ask for help.
Being
a victim of an assault or other form of violence can be a
very traumatic experience. Feelings of guilt, self-doubt,
insecurity, self-blame and anger are also common responses
to these events.
Remember
it will take time for the victim/survivor to heal, do not
rush a person through their healing process.
If
you know someone who experienced a sexual assault, relationship
violence, sexual harassment or stalking:
Believe
what the victim is telling you.
Do
not judge what the victim did before the assault or abuse
- do not ask 'why' questions - do not blame the victim for
what happened - remember no one asks to be attacked or harassed.
If
necessary, encourage medical attention and reporting the incident
to Campus Safety or the local police.
Let
the victim/survivor lead the way. While you can offer
support and suggestions - let the victim make decisions for
themselves.
Do
not go after the perpetrator. The victim/survivor needs
your support and attention - revenge may only revictimize
the survivor or bring the survivor greater harm later.
And
for help or to talk to someone:
You
can call: 585.295.3533 v/text message -or- AIM: RITCARES,
24 hours a day, to speak with a CARES
team member.
Or
call Public Safety if someone is in immediate danger: 585.475.3333
(v/tty).
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