Support and understanding from peers can encourage safety and healing.
There are many ways to help individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct.
- Reassure: If someone discloses to you that they have experienced sexual misconduct, let them know there are options for support, medical care, and reporting.
- Maintain privacy: If someone trusts you with their disclosure, follow their lead on how information is shared. If they are an adult, the decision is theirs to report or to connect with confidential advocacy.
- Join them: If someone is curious about available resources, they may want you to join them in learning more. For example, someone might want to learn about accessing supportive measures or filing a formal complaint through the Title IX Office. Together you can visit the office to learn about options without having to discuss details of an incident.
- Take care of yourself: When helping someone who has experienced sexual misconduct, it is important to find someone you can talk to if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Support is available through:
PSU Counseling Center (a confidential resource)
Office of Student Advocacy and Wellbeing
Access resources from the NH Coalition of Domestic and Sexual Violence to Support a Friend.
