SUPPORT
THE
VICTIMS

The guidelines are pretty simple, but they're often overlooked:

• Don't speak for the victim. Let the victim choose whether to speak or to remain silent.
• Don't determine the best way to aid or comfort a victim without victim input.
• And don't let your good intentions re-victimize a victim.

Hate crimes and bias incidents have both primary victims, those affected directly by the incident, and secondary victims, those included in groups targeted by the language or symbols used. Both groups need campus support.

Victims of hate crimes and bias incidents vary greatly in how they respond, from maintaining complete anonymity and silence to making public speeches and appearing at rallies.

Some victims are never named, never known. Some quietly transfer to other schools.

Others become or remain vocal and visible, using the incidents as platforms for change.

There is no "right" way to be a victim, but there are effective ways to support and aid victims.

Next >   4 SUPPORT THE VICTIMS · page 2