'Be a map, not a GPS': How to help support survivors of sexual violence

Survivors of sexual violence often don't come forward with their experiences due to the many challenges they face at both the systemic and social levels. However, when survivors do decide to share what they went through with a confidant, how a person reacts can really guide how a survivor feels about the situation. 

"Disclosing is about wanting to have your story be known, you want to to feel connected and supported," AnnaLise Trudell, Manager of Education, Training, and Research at Anova told CBC's London Morning. "Healing requires connection. So we want to make sure we are as open, and non-judgmental as possible to support that."  

Anova is a gender based violence organization that provides a 24/7 helpline, high security shelter, and sexual assault counselling services in London. They offer a disclosure training program which prepares those who are looking to support survivors of sexual violence after hearing about their ordeal.  

Disclosing is different from reporting an incident, which requires an action or recourse to be taken. Although it doesn't prevent or decrease sexual crimes, disclosing to a trusted source can be a way for survivors to feel like they aren't alone.

The disclosure training focuses on three key elements: understanding trauma, validating, and empowering the survivor. The goal is to provide support in a compassionate yet helpful way while avoiding problem solving on behalf of the survivor. 

"A big internal bias we have is wanting to take action and solve the problem. More often than not, they [survivors] are just looking for connection because they feel so isolated in their experience [of sexual violence]," said Trudell.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 Canadian women and 1 in 8 men experience sexual violence and many cases go unreported. In September, the Ontario government added support for post-secondary students reporting sexual violence and harassment.