COMMUNITY

The purpose of this procedure is to provide the TUSA affiliated Clubs & Societies’ members with clear guidelines as to how complaints are handled. The procedure seeks to ensure that all disputes and grievances are handled sensitively, confidentially and in a manner consistent with principles of procedural fairness, natural justice and TUSA values.

The full procedure can be found here on the TUSA website.

Grievance & Investigation Flowchart

Download a copy of the flowchart here.

• Disclosures are more often than not challenging conversations to have, ensuring that you have the time, space and capacity to have a difficult conversation. As the person to whom the survivor has decided to disclose their experience, your role is primarily to provide a supportive and empathetic environment for them to share their story. Here are some key elements of your role.Active Listening: Listen attentively to the survivor without judgement or interruption. Allow them to express themselves at their own pace and in their own words. Letting the survivor know that you are there to listen whenever they’re ready to share their story is important. It’s essential to respect their pace and comfort level in disclosing their experiences.Validation and Empathy: Validate the survivor’s feelings and experiences by expressing understanding and reassurance. Consider some of the following phrases.
  • It took a lot of courage to tell me about this
  • I believe you
  • I’m here for you
  • I’m sorry this happened to you
  • It’s not your fault
  • You didn’t do anything to deserve this
  • This must be really tough for you
  • I’m so glad you are sharing this with me
  • You are not alone
  • I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can
  • I’m sorry this happened
  • This shouldn’t have happened to you

   

  It’s essential to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences without judgement or scepticism. Believing and validating the individual’s experience is crucial in helping them feel heard and supported. By focusing on offering empathy and understanding rather than questioning or investigating their story, focus on creating an environment where the individual feels safe enough to seek professional support and begin their healing journey.

  Reassurance and Support: Reassure the survivor they are not alone and that support is available. Let them know you are available to support them and that there are professional resources and assistance available to support their specific needs.

  Survivors may experience a wide range of reactions, and it’s important not to make assumptions about how they should or shouldn’t feel or behave. Each person’s response to trauma is unique, and there is no one right way to react.

  Respect and Confidentiality: Respect the survivor’s privacy and confidentiality. Keep their disclosure confidential unless they give you explicit permission to share their story or there is legal obligation to report the incident.

  It’s important to inform survivors that they have options to seek action against the alleged perpetrator if they choose to do so. While involving the police is one avenue for pursuing legal action, there are also other support services available that can assist both the survivor and the perpetrator.

  Provide Information and Options: Offer information about available support services, resources, and options for seeking further help or taking action against the perpetrator, if the survivor wishes to do so. However, you must respect their autonomy and decisions regarding their next steps.

  Boundaries and Self-Care: It’s essential to set boundaries for yourself as well. While offering support, ensure that you are not taking on more than you can handle emotionally or mentally. Practice self-care and seek support from other resources if needed.

  Remember, your role is primarily to support and validate the survivor, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. Encouraging them to seek professional help from trained counsellors or advocates can also be beneficial in their healing process. Providing information about resources and support organisations that can provide information on SASH (Sexual Assault Support and Help) disclosures and possible next steps for the survivor in getting the right support specific to their needs.

  Signs of Vicarious Trauma

  Whilst it’s important to support others, it’s also important to make sure you’re looking after yourself and the signs of vicarious trauma as a result of supporting others, if you are observing any of the following in yourself (or others):

  • Social withdrawal
  • Lack of energy
  • Low mood / hopelessness
  • Nightmares / sleep problems
  • Cynicism
  • Disrupted view of the world
  • Difficulty switching of
  • Irritability

  It might be time to set up some practices to support your personal wellbeing. In the following pages some suggested resources to help you navigate your way through.

Support Services

TUSA & UTAS Counselling and Support

Other Counselling and Support

SASH Training for Clubs and Societies

Every year the TUSA provides Sexual Trauma First Aid training with SASS for Clubs and Societies, we require executive committee members to attend this training to support them in this space, should they have the experience of disclosure by a peer. Check out the Learning and Development page on the TUSA website to sign up.