Virtual: Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence
When someone discloses sexual violence, the response they receive can significantly impact their sense of safety, trust, and willingness to seek further support. This training provides participants with a trauma-informed and survivor-centred foundation for responding with care, clarity, and confidence.
Participants will explore the impacts of sexual violence, common barriers to disclosure, and the role of supportive responses in reducing shame, blame, and further harm. The training will also address how trauma can shape memory, communication, emotional responses, and decision-making after violence. Through discussion, reflection, and practical examples, participants will learn how to respond in ways that prioritize safety, choice, dignity, and connection to appropriate supports.
Participants will learn about:
- The dynamics and impacts of sexual violence
- Common myths, assumptions, and victim-blaming responses
- Why disclosures may be delayed, partial, emotional, or unclear
- How trauma can affect a person’s response during and after disclosure
- Trauma-informed and survivor-centred communication skills
- Supportive language to use when someone shares an experience of sexual violence
- Referrals, reporting considerations, and pathways to community resources
- How to care for yourself when supporting someone impacted by sexual violence
Who should attend?
This training is appropriate for service providers, educators, youth-serving professionals, healthcare and social service workers, community organizations, faith-based leaders, volunteers, and anyone who may receive a disclosure of sexual violence in a professional or community-based role.
No previous training on sexual violence is required. The session is designed to be accessible, practical, and grounded in trauma-informed care.