Listen.
Quote from Danny Mathews, assistant director of the LGBTQ Resource Center, Urbana.
Sexual assault knows no gender or sexual orientation. Man Talks is a program at the University of Illinois that provides a safe space for men and those who identify as male. For Sexual Assault Awareness month, Man Talks presented a workshop about supporting Queer and Non-Binary Survivors. Many people think of sexual assault as mainly affecting females, but there is a group that we forgot about. This Man Talks workshop brought that group into the light and allowed listeners to learn about the experiences of those who wanted to share their stories.
Attendees told stories of being misunderstood when asking for help. However, when they did find someone that was willing to listen and ask what they wanted to do no matter their identity, they felt validated.
The most important thing you can tell a survivor as a bystander is, "I see you in all of who you are," said Mathews.
The Women's Resources Center is open to all students. It is also one of four confidential services on campus where you can come in and talk about any incidents without any fear of your story being reported. The other confidential resources include Disability Resources & Educational Resources, The Counseling Center, and McKinley Health Center. On the other hand, the LGBT Resources Center is required to report any sexual misconduct to the police.
As a supporter it is important to listen and believe. Allow the survivor to know what options are available to them.
"Talk to you as a person not the box you check."- Danny Mathews, panelist
