Faculty, staff can help victims

In the wake of recent allegations of sexual assault in UW–Madison’s Greek community, the Offices of the Dean of Students is again asking for faculty and staff to serve as resources for students in need.

Helping a student deal with the aftermath of a sexual assault involves common sense and basic human compassion, according to Dean of Students Lori Berquam.

Should you be personally approached by a student, a compassionate reaction to such a disclosure can make a huge impact, not only in giving academic help, but also in making the difference between putting a student in touch with crucial resources or forcing him or her to retreat into isolation.

Academics is typically an area in which a survivor will need extra time or help when coping with the aftermath of an attack. Most survivors would prefer extensions or consideration on assignments, instead of dropping classes or taking incompletes, which often feels like another way of being victimized by their attacker, she says.

All necessary academic support should be provided, and faculty or staff members can also use the opportunity to ask if the student needs information about resources, such as the dean’s office, Rape Crisis Center or University Health Services, she says.

Other suggestions include:

• Make yourself more approachable. A flier or poster about sexual assault in an office or classroom makes it clear you will be an ally.
• Ask a student who appears to be in trouble if he or she is OK.
• When approached by a student, relax and try to avoid awkwardness. It’s a huge step for a student to disclose an assault. A positive encounter can make a significant impact on the healing process.
• Listen without judging or pressing for details.
• Show compassion. Validate the student and ask if you can help in contacting resources.
• Provide all necessary academic support (extension for tests, papers or projects).
• Follow up one time in a sensitive way.
• Don’t be afraid to get involved. Faculty members are only asked to help put students in contact with resources, not act as caregivers.
• Fill out an anonymous sexual assault reporting form.

For more information, call 263-5700 or e-mail dean@odos.wisc.edu.