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Start Here

As part of the Sexual Violence and Harassment Prevention and Response programme of work, we are running the #Starthere campaign from the 16th of September until the 14th of October 2024. Did you know that Active*Consent and USI’s 2020 National Sexual Experiences Survey revealed that 79% of college students who disclose sexual misconduct (rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment) told a close friend.

Active*Consent and the Galway Rape Crisis Centre have developed the following tips for receiving a disclosure.

Don’t ask ‘Were you drunk? /Are you sure? /Why did you go home with them?’ – This sounds like you think it’s their fault. Try to listen without judgement.

Don’t say things like ‘I’ll kill them!’ Hearing about someone’s negative sexual experience can be upsetting – but take a breath and try to focus on their feelings, instead of your own.

Don’t rush them into sharing anything they don’t want to - Although it’s normal to want to know what happened, talking about a negative experience can be difficult for survivors. They might just tell you a bit, or they may tell you the whole story but don’t pressure them into talking about it.

Don’t say ‘You have to report it’. Pushing someone to take action they are not ready to take yet can be disempowering and re-traumatising. Making a formal report should be their choice, so let them know you support them either way.

Do say “I believe you”– Opening up about a negative sexual experience can be stressful. Let the person know you are listening; you believe them and will support them

Do ask “What do you want to do next?” - They might not know what they want to rightaway, but what happens next needs to be their choice.

Do ask “How can I help?” - You could offer to find out about support services like student counselling, SU Welfare Officer, the local Rape Crisis Centre or Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. Even just listening to the person can make a huge difference.

Do look after yourself - Hearing about someone’s negative sexual experience can be very difficult. Make time for your own self-care and mental wellbeing.

Existing policies and supports for students, as outlined below: