The Syd Project

Why can I not report for someone else?

Additional Trauma

Not Wanting to Share

Sexual abuse of any kind puts survivors in a vulnerable and traumatized state. Reporting their experience(s) is difficult in and of itself and even more so when it is done by someone without the survivor's consent.

Not Wanting to Share

Some survivors prefer to keep their experience(s) private. That is a personal decision and one that only the survivor can make.

Wrong Timing

Not Wanting to Share

Wrong Timing

While there is no "right time" to report a sexual assault, the survivor may prefer to wait. Someone else reporting on their behalf, before they are ready to do so, can be stressful and difficult.

Exceptions

Minor (Under 18)

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

While minors do have rights and can legally report their experiences, they may find it helpful for a trusted adult to help them through the process. It's also important to note that minors cannot file lawsuits. While not all cases require a lawsuit, a minor will have difficulty if that is the path that is taken. Additionally, for the minor's safety, the minor's caregiver(s) have the responsibility and duty to report the sexual assault.

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Sometimes survivors find it difficult to discuss what they experienced, which is why some may find it helpful to have someone else do so on their behalf. However, consent is required before doing so, in order to ensure the survivor's wishes are respected.

Mandated Reporters

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Mandated Reporters

Mandated reports include teachers, doctors, scout leaders, etc. People in such positions are required by law to report cases of child abuse, as well as endangerment to the children in their care. Even if a child confides in a mandated reporter and does not want them to report on their experience(s), they still have to. This is one of the very few instances in which this must happen.

What should I do instead?

Support and Believe the Survivor

Speaking out about sexual assault is difficult and it takes a lot of courage. The last thing survivors need is to not be believed and/or taken seriously.

Do Not Spread It

If a survivor confides in you, they trust you to not only support them, but also to not spread what they tell you. Additionally, it is important to get the survivor's consent before you tell anyone else about their experience(s).

Provide Resources

Providing the survivor with resources, both online and in your community, can be helpful and show that you truly care. The Syd Project website is a great place to start.

Encourage Them To Tell Authorities

Reporting sexual assault to authorities can not only help the survivor get justice and closure, but also prevent the same thing from happening again. While this is not required and can be frightening for some, it is important.

When someone you know is sexually assaulted

Why can I not report for someone else?

Additional Trauma

Not Wanting to Share

Not Wanting to Share

Not Wanting to Share

Not Wanting to Share

Not Wanting to Share

Wrong Timing

Not Wanting to Share

Wrong Timing

Exceptions

Minor (Under 18)

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Mandated Reporters

Survivor Gave You Consent to Do so

Mandated Reporters

What should I do instead?

Support and Believe the Survivor

Do Not Spread It

Provide Resources

Encourage Them To Tell Authorities

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