How should an MPIO respond when someone discloses an unsafe or disrespectful experience?

Play by the Rules' "Responding to a disclosure" guide describes a trauma-informed response built on three actions:

1. Actively listen. Phrases it suggests: "I'm glad you told me", "Thank you for sharing", "Whatever you're comfortable sharing is enough."
2. Show empathy. For example: "Thank you for trusting me enough to share this with me", "You've taken an important step by talking about it." The guide says your role is not to investigate or find evidence, and that for someone who has been harmed, being believed is often the most important thing.
3. Proactively support. For example: "Do you feel safe at the moment?", "I am not a specialist in this, but I am happy to help you come up with some options of what to do next", and "If you'd like, I can suggest a few support options to consider when it feels right." Be honest about what you know and don't know, and ask if it is okay to reach out to others for help.

Source: Play by the Rules, Responding to a disclosure (2026).