Responding to disclosures of sexual violence with compassion and confidence
Six ways staff and faculty can increase their knowledge
Dealing with an incident of sexual violence, whether you’ve been impacted directly or are supporting someone who has, is one of the most difficult things to navigate as a staff person or faculty member. This is one of the reasons the University of Manitoba’s Sexual Violence Resource Centre (SVRC) exists—to provide support, education, resources and referrals for UM faculty, staff or students of all genders.
“It is a hard reality that sexual violence is a very common experience, and the likelihood that someone you are working with – a student or a colleague – is struggling with an experience is very high,” SVRC Director Bre Woligroski (she/her) says. “Because of this, it can be really helpful for staff and faculty to receive sexual violence response and awareness training before they receive a disclosure of a personal story so they know how to respond, what the policies are, and can have clarity on what their roles are in the situation.”
One of the major misconceptions that the SVRC addresses in their workshops and public education is that sexual violence only refers to sexual assault.
“We often get feedback during our workshops that attendees are surprised at the scope of sexual violence,” Woligroski says. “This term covers many behaviors, including intimate partner violence, unwelcome touching, harassment and/or discrimination based on a person’s gender, body and/or sexuality.”
Get informed
There are different options for sexual violence awareness training and support at UM. Staff and faculty can:
- Take a workshop on how to provide compassionate, supportive and consistent responses to those disclosing an incident of sexual violence.
- Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Violence is a three-hour workshop that covers essential guidelines for responding to a disclosure and includes interactive exercises to practice these skills.
- Upcoming workshop: April 16, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in 302 Tier.
- Sign up using the Learning and Organizational Development registration system.
- Request a workshop or keynote on topics related to sexual violence for your class, unit or faculty.
- The SVRC offers custom trainings and workshops on topics like healthy relationships, consent, identity and sexual violence. Please reach out to sveducation@umanitoba.ca to learn more.
- Reach out to SVRC staff or make a one-on-one appointment for support or referrals.
- Staff at the SVRC are available to answer your questions on how to best support someone who has disclosed to you. They can also provide support for staff, faculty and students who have experienced sexual violence themselves. Access their confidential services at svrc@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-6562, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Go through the online Sexual Violence Awareness modules.
- Modules on UM Learn contain foundational information about sexual violence including a discussion of consent, power dynamics and conflicts of interest. They also bust common myths about sexual violence.
- Read through the information and educational materials the SVRC has compiled.
- The SVRC’s website has information for getting support, giving support and getting informed. It also outlines your choices if you have experienced sexual violence and choose to report to the university, the police or both.
- Read the Sexual Violence and Respectful Work and Learning Environment policies.
- These policies provide specific information about the rights and responsibilities of members of the university community. The Sexual Violence Policy has undergone a review and an updated version is coming soon.
A trauma-informed and survivor-centered place for support
Overall, the staff at the SVRC wants the UM community to know they are here as a resource for YOU.
“If you are unsure how to respond to a situation, how the policy applies, or just want to talk through the complexities of what’s happening because sometimes it can get pretty tough, we are available to support you in your role,” Woligroski says.
If you have been impacted by sexual violence, know that you are not alone. Sexual violence impacts individuals from many different backgrounds and identities. Find out more on the SVRC website or connect with them:
Sexual Violence Resource Centre
537 UMSU University Centre (Fort Garry campus)
svrc@umanitoba.ca
204-474-6562
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.