If you are offering support to someone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, there are some immediate things you should consider:
Is the person in immediate danger? Check whether the person is in immediate danger or is seriously injured. If yes, you can contact your local emergency services.
If the incident has just happened, try and get the person to a safe space where they feel comfortable. If this is not possible, you can suggest that they contact The University SafeGuarding Services by using the SafeZone App.
Do they have any injuries? If the person has any physical injuries, you should seek medical help. SafeGuarding officers are fully first aid trained and have undergone Mental Health first aid training.
Scotland Specific: The nearest A&E unit for Edinburgh is located at The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the nearest Minor Injuries unit is located at Western General Hospital in Craigleith. Those in the Scottish Borders Campus can access A&E at Borders General Hospital, whilst those in Orkney should attend Balfour Hospital Emergency department.
If someone has disclosed to you that they have been victimised or experienced a traumatic event, it is important that you listen to them and give them the chance to tell you about their experiences. Try not to ask too many questions and make it clear that you are ready to listen and help them whenever they want to talk or feel comfortable doing so.
People’s reactions to traumatic events such as sexual assault can vary. They may be express extreme emotions such as anger or fear, or they may have no significant reaction. The way they act may be unusual or surprising, or they may act as they normally do.
There are a number of ways that someone may tell you that something traumatic has happened to them. They may tell you in a straightforward way, or they may disclose it in a comical way or in the form of a question.
The most important thing to remember is to listen and believe them. You’re not expected to be a professional counsellor, but the way you respond to an initial disclosure can be really important and may impact what they choose to do next.
Once they have told you about what happened, you can encourage them to seek support by directing them to the online Report and Support system and other university-based support, as well as any other specialist support services listed on this site. However, it is important that you let them make a decision about what they do next. You can explore possible options with them, but only they will know what is best for them and what they feel most comfortable with, and it is important that you respect whatever decision they make.