Written by Anonymous Student ’21

1. Don’t be afraid to speak up. You’re not going to get in trouble for reporting something. The herd at Nichols is your family and there are many people on this campus that you can trust to assure that the correct actions are taken. If the perpetrator is threatening you in any way for attempting to speak out, that’s more the reason to do so for your and everyone else’s safety. By speaking up, you may be saving someone else from the same tragedy.
2. See something, say something. If you or another see something happen, do something. If an encounter or incident isn’t sitting right with you or making you uncomfortable. The person in that situation probably feels the same way.
3. They are there to support you. No matter what happened or what you are reporting, the system is in place to help you find a resolution to what happened to you.
4. Yes, the process is scary. It’s nerve-wracking to the bones. But is so rewarding to find justice for yourself. The peace of knowing that action is being taken feels like a weight lifted off your shoulders.
5. The process is confidential. Everything you say stays in that room. Depending on the path you take, you may need to repeat your story over again. While this may seem scary, the people involved are under an oath to keep your story safe.
6. The process is long and draining, but you can get through it. In order to assure that corrective action is taken per your needs, you need to trust the people around you even if you just want it to be done and over with.
7. You have the option to do what feels right for you. Whether you choose to take the report as far as the police or just to the school, you are safe. Whatever choice you make, the system is in place to protect you and your decision.
8. It’s okay to process your emotions and how you feel about what happened. If you’re struggling to feel better, even after the process has completed. Reach out to a friend, family or staff member. There are resources on campus, and you are not alone. And if you ever feel the need, you can go back and review your case any time.
9. Down the road you may look back and wish you had done something differently. It’s OKAY to feel this way. We all process our emotions differently and looking back on it a couple years down the road you may have a different perspective on what happened. What’s important is that you do what you feel is right for you in that moment.