Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

How to Help

If someone discloses they have experienced sexual misconduct, how can you help them?

If you know someone in the Lycoming College community who has experienced sexual misconduct, you can help them. A trusted person such as a friend, roommate, professor, coach, or family member can be the most effective in getting someone help, and can aid in the process by connecting you with resources and support.

What can you do?

  • Establish Safety – Make sure the person is safe. Do they need medical attention? If it is an emergency call 911 or Public Safety. Refer them to someone who is trained.
  • Listen – Listen non-judgmentally, do not probe for details or tell them what they should do. Validate their feelings and listen without distraction.
  • Connect With Resources - Refer them to resources on campus or in the community. (For more information, go to resources section for a list of available resources).
  • Report – Send an email to titleix@lycoming.edu right away including all information known. For more information on reporting, please review the different reporting options. If you are a mandated reporter, you are required to report the information. If you are not a mandated reporter, please consider reporting the information to get the person help. For more information on mandated reporters, please refer to the Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.

Thing to avoid

  • Tell them you know how they feel.
  • Label them or make any conclusions or promises about the outcome.
  • Minimize their situation.
  • Ask questions that are accusatory.
  • Question whether they are telling the truth.
  • Tell them they need proof or evidence.
  • Talk about your own history.
  • Invade their physical space.
  • Guarantee confidentiality.
  • Panic or appear shocked-if you cannot handle the situation calmly get someone who is trained to help them.