Supporting survivors of sexualized violence

To the editor, Sexualized violence impacts us all.

With the recent news article circulating regarding a young Nova Scotian woman who did not receive the support she expected to after being raped, it is an opportune time to discuss ways to support someone that discloses they have experienced sexualized violence.

It is very disappointing to hear this young lady did not receive the trauma-informed support and care she deserves. Experiences like this can be retraumatizing to victims/survivors and can influence whether or not they choose to report incidents of sexualized violence. Anyone can adopt a trauma-informed approach and support somebody that has experienced sexualized violence.

Breaking the Silence: A Coordinated Response to Sexual Violence in Nova Scotia states: “Caring responses from support people can help prevent or lessen ongoing trauma and are a crucial element of the healing process. Support can mean many things, and take many forms. Some people who have survived sexual violence may want someone to simply listen with compassion.”

This initiative suggests several tips when responding to disclosures of sexualized violence, beginning with believing the survivor and validating their feelings. It is important to assure the survivor that what they have experienced is not their fault and to offer medical care if they need it. Breaking the Silence stresses the importance of allowing the survivor to make decisions for themselves, respecting whatever they decide and suggests that the supporter helps the survivor to navigate additional resources, whenever they are ready.

Sexualized violence is a community issue that impacts us all. For more information about how you can help support a victim/ survivor or learn where you can access services in your community, you can visit www.breakthesilencens.ca. Also offered is a free online training opportunity that can be accessed here: www.breakthesilence.ca/training. Let’s make our community a safer place for all survivors!

The MORPH (Mapping our Road to Power and Healing) initiative provides trauma-informed support to survivors of sexualized violence in Pictou County.

For more information about these services, contact MORPH Navigator Erin Gould at navigator.morphpc@gmail.com or at 902-755-4647.

Erin Gould,

MORPH Navigator