How to Offer Help

Sexual Assult is incredibly violent act that strips victems of their dignity, sense of security and self-confidence. Being a friend or a family member of a sexual assult survivor, you have the responsiblity of being there for them. Here are some things you can do:

• LISTEN. Be there for them. Listen without judgement. Your friend has been through a traumatic experience and they might not know how to deal with it. The after effects of sexual assult are, unfortunately, limitless.


• SUPPORT. Your friend may or may not decide to seek medical or legal support. Support them. Offer to explore medical or legal options with them, but do not push them to do whatever they are not comfortable with.


• DO NOT BLAME. Your job is to help your freind recover and become themself again. Your job is not to blame the traumatic expereince on your friend.


• BE PATIENT. It will take time for your friend to return to who they were before. Avoid getting frustrated.


• BELIEVE. It is important you friend knows that your do now think of them any differently because of what they went through.


• RESPECT. After sexaul assult, people may not want to be touched, so ask before you touch your friend.


• GET HELP. It is okay to ask for outside help for yourself or your friend.