Tips for Supportive Response

If someone tells you they have experienced sex- or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, intimate partner violence, or other sex/gender related discrimination – know that you might be the first person they have told. How you respond can significantly impact that person’s next steps.

Specific Tips on How to Respond

  • Listen to what they share without interrupting.
    Thank them for feeling safe enough to share with you. Don’t push them to share more, let the person share what they choose.
  • Validate their experience.
    It is okay to tell the person that you are sorry for what they experienced. Avoid asking “why” questions or telling them how you would have handled it or how they should have responded.
  • Inform them of your responsibilities.
    Let the person making the disclosure know of your obligation to report to Title IX and that they should expect outreach within a day or two to explain options and supportive measures. Be sure to tell them that a report does not initiate an investigation or other action.
    *If a student appears under 18, explain that you are a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect.
  • Refer to resources.
    You can provide options and offer support, but it is important that the person decide for themselves how they want to proceed. You can ask, “How can I support you?” and/or offer to accompany them to support resources, e.g. Counseling Center and Title IX. Off campus resource information is available on the Gender Based Violence Prevention website.

Do not investigate. Employees should not attempt to investigate the incident by gathering more information or asking for details.

Considerations for faculty and staff:

Establish class engagement and workplace expectations up-front:

  • in your syllabus
  • during orientation or team meetings
  • in class 

Interrupt proactively and address:

  • problems,
  • comments,
  • language use, and
  • behaviors.

If students or student employees are expected to communicate or meet outside of the class or work location:

  • remind them to meet in a public location vs. a private location
  • encourage students to communicate with their BC email vs. their personal email
  • ensure that you are listed as an administrator on any non-BC platforms that you have suggested or approved for use 

Disclose your reporting obligation to students:

  • on your syllabus
  • verbal reminders at course start and as appropriate based on discussion/assignment topics
  • as it arises during a meeting or consultation

You will need to monitor course or department related:

  • social media
  • online sites
  • discussion boards
  • assignments
  • groups

Request a Title IX consultation/intervention for options, email templates, coaching for conversations and other questions or assistance.

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Resources

For more information about gender-based violence prevention and bystander intervention, visit Bellevue College’s Gender-Based Violence Prevention (GBVP) office.

Last Updated October 14, 2024