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