Safe Response Toolkit

Content Warning

This section contains information about sharing experiences of sexual violence that may be distressing to read.

Sharing your story can be an important part of healing for some people, but it's a personal choice. There is no right or wrong way to share, and you don't have to share if you don't want to.

Important: If you are considering sharing your story publicly or in a way that identifies the person who harmed you, be aware that this may have legal implications. Consider seeking legal advice first.

Why People Share

People share their stories for many reasons:

To process their experience
To help others feel less alone
To raise awareness
To advocate for change
As part of their healing journey

Ways to Share

There are many ways you might share your story:

With trusted friends or family
With a counsellor or support worker
In a support group
Through writing or art
Publicly through media or social media
As part of advocacy or activism

Considerations

Before sharing, consider:

Are you ready to share?
Who is your audience?
What are your boundaries?
How will you protect your privacy?
What support do you have in place?
What are the potential consequences?

Protecting Yourself

If you choose to share publicly, consider:

Using a pseudonym or remaining anonymous
Not sharing identifying details about yourself or others
Being prepared for different reactions
Having support available after sharing
Taking breaks from social media or public platforms if needed

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Share or not share - it's your choice
Change your mind at any time
Set boundaries about how your story is used
Control who knows your story
Be treated with respect and dignity

Getting Support

Support services can help you think through whether and how to share your story. They can also provide ongoing support if you do choose to share. See our Support Services page for contact information.