Ask if you can help them contact the Sexual Assault Crisis Line and/or other supports to access medical attention, available resources, and information for you both to answer the many questions you may have. The toll-free Sexual Assault Crisis Line for Newfoundland and Labrador is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-80. Let them know that they do not have to go through this alone.Ĭrisis and peer support workers and as well as other health professionals are available to help. Remember, the survivor is angry with the assailant and the situation, not at you. Allow the survivor to cry, scream, and express themselves however they need to in that moment. Many survivors remain silent because they feel ashamed and/or they fear that they will be disbelieved or blamed if they tell other people about what happened. It takes courage to talk about a sexual assault with other people. Part of being a good listener is letting your friend know that you’ll be ready to listen if and when they are ready to talk. Do not take it personally if your friend does not want to talk to you or to anyone all right now. Do not ask about the particular details of the assault as they might not feel ready to share. Give them the time and space that they need. Never ask “why” questions which may make the survivor defensive such as “Why were you wearing that?” or “Why were you alone?” The percentage of false reports of sexual assault is no higher than for any other crime.ģ. Make it clear to the survivor you believe the sexual assault happened and that it is not their fault. Tell them that you believe them and reinforce that they are not to blame for what happened. Remember to reassure them and validate their feelings. The survivor likely came to you because they consider you to be a person of they can trust. Listen to your friend without judging them. Let your friend know right away that you believe them, care and want to help. Four of the most important and basic messages that sexual assault survivors most need to hear from you are: Your love, support and understanding is what your friend needs.īelow is a list of supportive tips you can use to support a friend or loved one who has been sexually assaulted. If someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you may experience some of the same emotions as the victim. Sexual violence affects not only the survivor of the violence, but also those close to them such as friends, partners and family members. What is most important is that you care enough to want to help. Most people have little experience helping someone through a traumatic event such as a sexual assault, so it is normal to be unsure of what to do. It may take weeks, months or even years to feel ready to talk about what has happened. If a friend or loved one tells you that they have been sexually assaulted, it is likely one of the hardest things they have ever had to tell you.
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