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Supporting Someone

Listen

  • Listen openly and be supportive, refrain from judgmental questions, don’t allow myths to affect how you perceive the situation.
  • Encourage the person to seek supportive measures, confidential and non-confidential campus and community options are available.
  • If the person is in danger, offer to assist them with accessing emergency services if that is the safest option for them.

Support

  • “Thank you for trusting me, I value your safety and experience. I would like to connect you with resources that can be supportive to you and as a staff member of 鶹Ƶ I am required to report matters like this to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX for your safety. Their office can connect you with resources where you can discuss your experience and seek support if you need it. I can’t promise an outcome, but I can promise that there are options available to you if you are interested. If there is anything that you need to feel safer on campus, you can speak with a staff member if the Title IX Office.”

Report

  • Report the incident to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX through an or via email at titleix@kent.edu.
  • Reports should be as detailed as possible, including full names and contact information (if known), the date/time/location of the incident, a description of the incident, and how you became aware of the incident. Please respond promptly if a Title IX staff member reaches out to you for more information.
  • Survivors of crimes such as sexual assault, stalking, domestic or dating violence are strongly encouraged to report the crime to law enforcement.
  • Inform the individuals about supportive measures, campus resources, and procedures offered by the university.

Additional Tips

What to say:

I’m sorry this happened to you; it wasn’t your fault.

Thank you for trusting me with this information; I am always here if you want to talk.

Can I help you get connected to resources or services?

What not to say:

It was your fault; you could have avoided that if you had ___________.

It’s not that big of a deal; it happens to lots of people.

You wanted it, you were asking for it; I don’t believe you.

It’s been so long since that happened, get over it; don’t even bother reporting it.