How to Respond if Someone You Know is Accused

If someone you know, even a friend or family member, has been accused of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment (all are Title IX violations) it is often difficult to process how you should respond. The Aurora Center does not provide mental health services and therefore is not an appropriate referral to therapy for individuals seeking clinical professional help with abusive behavior. However, we do offer an individualized Active Psychoeducation program called STARRSA for respondents found responsible for sexual misconduct policy violations or for individuals who voluntarily elect to educate themselves more after causing harm.

If you are close to someone who has been accused of causing harm, here are some tools you may use in a conversation with them:

Download our guide to Difficult Conversations with Someone You Care About