SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS: HOW TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE

Written By Erin McGrath Rieke

Rape or sexual assault can be a traumatic, life-changing event. Sadly, chances are that you or someone close to you will experience it during the course of your life. Here are some tips for supporting someone who tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted or raped.

  • Listen.

  • Believe them.

  • Remind them that they’re not alone.

  • Don’t judge or blame them for what happened. Remember that the blame is on the person who commits the assault, and not on the victim.

  • Encourage them to get help. Encourage them to go to the hospital ASAP. You can offer to drive them or go with them. And for the long term, talking with a licensed counselor or therapist about what happened, or joining a community support group can help your friend process what happened and heal.

  • Don’t pressure them. It’s up to your friend to decide if they want to report the assault to the police or authorities. If they do decide to report it, you can help by offering to be there with them.

Erin McGrath Rieke

erin mcgrath rieke is an american interdisciplinary activist artist, writer, designer, producer and singer best known for her work promoting education and awareness to gender violence and mental illness through creativity.

https://www.justeproductions.org
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