Remember "SILVER" to support someone who discloses sexual harassment or violence
Safety
- Ask “is your immediate safety at risk?” If yes, contact Campus Safety (503-370-6911) or Salem Police (911).
- If you have concerns about an individual’s safety, contact the Center for Hope and Safety or the Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA) for confidential crisis response and consultation.
- Ask “are you hurt? Do you need medical care?” If yes, suggest a visit to Salem Hospital or Bishop Wellness Center
Inform
Inform survivors as soon as possible that you will do what you can to respect their privacy, but if you are a Willamette University employee, let them know that you cannot ensure complete confidentiality.
- Confidential responders include the staff of Bishop Wellness Center (503-370-6062), the university Confidential Advocate (503-375-5361), and the SARA hotline: (503-851-4245), located in the Gender Resource & Advocacy Center - Montag Loft.
Here is what you can say about your responsibilities as a Willamette University employee:
"It sounds like you are about to share something important. Before you continue I would like to let you know my limits to confidentiality. I will always do what I can to respect your privacy; however, I cannot guarantee confidentiality. If you would like to speak to someone who can maintain full confidentiality, I would be happy to support you in doing so and can help connect you to those individuals. If you would like to continue speaking with me, I may need to consult with others after this conversation and provide identifying information regarding what you have shared. Do you wish to continue?”
Listen without judgment
- Believe survivors, regardless of their choices (e.g., dress, alcohol consumption, etc.)
- Limit your questions
- Offer compassion and empathy
- Do not blame the survivor for what occurred (e.g., do not ask “why” questions)
- Focus on a survivor’s experience without labeling or defining it for that individual
- Leave investigating and determining facts to those with that responsibility
Validate feelings and reactions
Empower
- Provide options about resources so that the survivor can make informed choices, DO NOT make decisions for the survivor
Refer
- Refer to resources
- If you are a Willamette University employee, document resources offered with Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form
