RESPONDING TO A DISCLOSURE

• Listen to the survivor;

• Be non-judgmental;

• Believe the disclosure;

• Be aware of your own feelings and remain calm - an emotional response can silence the person disclosing;

• Communicate to the survivor that s/he is not responsible for the violence;

• Communicate to the survivor that her/his survival means that they did the right thing;

• Explore and dispel myths;

• Facilitate the survivor taking control of her/his life back into their own hands;

• Provide accurate information;

• Ensure that s/he has the opportunity to make decisions about events which affect her life eg whether to report the crime, tell family and friends;

• Accept differences of opinion while remaining supportive; and

• Provide appropriate referrals.

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© Health Department of Western Australia. All rights reserved.
Last Updated: Friday, 20 March 1998 10:28