Post Response Work

Supporting someone through reporting a disclosure requires post- response work. What actions you take, and how you continue to offer care—matters just as much. This page provides guidance on what to consider after a disclosure, including how to check in with yourself, connect the individual with resources, provide timely updates, and ensure that both you and the person who shared are supported moving forward.

Check-in with yourself:

  • How are you doing?  Seek support if you experience harm in the process.

Reflect on your response
  • How do you think it was managed?
  •  How did the person feel afterward?
  • Are there any learnings for future instances?

Check in with others
  • Consult with your supervisor, to ensure you have a consolidated response and consensus on next steps.
  • Stay in communication with the person you are supporting and provide them with timely updates.

Document the incident in detail, without adding emotions:
Stick to the facts—avoid storytelling or emotional framing.

When documenting a disclosure or incident, focus on objective details rather than interpretations or emotionally charged language. Describing what happened in a neutral, factual way helps maintain clarity and fairness, and avoids inserting personal bias into the record.

Example: “Complainant says he raised his voice to her and got in her space,” not “He was aggressive.”

Identify trends or gaps in the process

Pay attention to recurring issues, breakdowns in communication, or areas where individuals consistently face challenges. These insights can reveal deeper structural problems and highlight opportunities to improve policies, procedures, and institutional practices. By recognizing and addressing these trends, you contribute to meaningful, long-term change that supports equity, accountability, and safer environments for all.

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