Supporting Someone

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.

“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 Kent State University 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 the incident to the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX through an online report 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.

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.

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