Sexual Misconduct First Responder

A good first response for survivors of sexual misconduct is crucial for the survivors' healing process. Survivors often lack the support crucial for their recovery when they speak to family, friends, colleagues and official bodies about their experience. This can result in survivors internalising their feelings of shame and guilt, though the assault is never their fault. Often, loved ones grapple with how they can help and what they should say—after all, their actions and words can have a huge impact on a survivor. As part of NUSSU EXCO's goal to enhance the skills of its Student Leaders, NUSSU EXCO conducts training workshops with support from NUS Care Unit to train all student leaders to be capable and effective first responders to sexual misconduct through a trauma-informed approach. The workshop lasted about 3 hours and was split into three parts, (I) Recognise: Understanding Sexual Violence, (II) Recognising the Impact of Trauma and (III) Respond and Refer, which covered: > Defining sexual assault (including harassment) > Understanding consent > The role of a first responder > Understanding the impact of trauma on survivors > Providing support to survivors of sexual assault > Resources available for help Through this workshop, participants should be able to understand the complexities of sexual violence, dispel myths, learn about Singapore’s legal framework and remedies for sexual crimes, and act as effective first responders to create a culture of support for sexual misconduct survivors. The content of the workshop is adapted from AWARE and customised for NUS students.