Sexual Misconduct - Lecturers & Staff Resources

Sexual Respect is a Commitement

Lecturers and staff members: If information regarding an incident of sexual misconduct or relationship violence is shared with you, you are required to  assist the affected individual and offer a warm hand to help heal their trauma and take up the issue with administration together with the Gender Student Representative.

Any part-time or regular full ZSM employee, unless the employee is authorized or required by law to keep information confidential by virtue of the employee’s professional role is considered a Responsible Employee.

If a Responsible Employee becomes aware of an instance of alleged sexual misconduct, relationship violence involving a student.

What To Do When a Student Shares That They Have Experienced an Incident of Sexual Misconduct

  1. Listen without judgment. Avoid making statements or asking questions which place blame or judgment on the victim-survivor.
  2. Assess the survivor’s immediate safety and medical needs. If the survivor is in danger or it is a medical emergency, call the Administrator immediately to respond to the situation and provide transportation to the hospital.
  3. Inform them of help available on-campus. Encourage them to contact SRC Gender Representative,the representative can provide confidential support and help the victim access the necessary resources to kick start their healing process. Offer to assist the survivor if they need help making these calls.
  4. Let them know you are required to report the incident. And reassure the survivor that the report will be kept confidential to the extent appropriate and allowed by law.
 

Supporting a Victim-survivor

When victim-survivors disclose an experience of sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking, you should serve as a positive bystander and source of support as they work through their reactions to the trauma. It is important to remember that a victim-survivor disclosed their assault because they trust you.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

  • Focus on offering options, rather than giving advice or making decisions for the victim-survivor. The assault took control away from the victim-survivor, and though well-intentioned, making decisions for them can make them feel as though they are still not in control.
  • Focus on the survivor’s needs. Allow the victim-survivor to dictate the course of the conversation and how much information to disclose. Avoid talking about how hearing the story makes you feel. Instead, ask how the victim-survivor is doing and if they need anything.
  • Let the survivor know you are available to support them in whatever ways you feel comfortable.
SEXUAL RESPECT