If you think someone you know has been discriminated against, there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Listen and Believe
- Listen - If someone discloses an experience of discrimination to you, listening to what they tell with no judgment, compassion and empathy can be incredibly helpful. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help.
- Believe - Rather than asking a lot of questions, just let them know that you believe them and will support them as best as you can. Try not to skip ahead to what to do practically without first validating what you have heard and listening to what they have to say.
- Reassure - Remind them that no one, regardless of relationship or status, has the right to hurt them and that no matter what, it is not their fault that this occurred.
- Give Options - Some people who have experienced discrimination may feel they have lost their power and control of decisions, so it is important to respond in a way so they can feel in control of what happens next. You can do this by asking them what they want or need and if they are unsure offering to support them to access specialist services. Let them know they are not alone and they can seek specialist support either through the University or external support services.