Things to Keep in Mind
It is important to remember that a sexual assault victim has been deprived of their right to control their own physical body and treated as an object to satisfy another’s selfish desires. Part of healing is to reestablish a sense of control and order to life. Let them make their own decisions. Make sure the victim knows you are available to help with whatever they decide.
- Listen and avoid judgment.
- Don’t attempt to find the reason why it happened.
- Let them talk about the assault in their own time; do not force the conversation.
- Understand that they may want to go into detail about the assault, or they might be vague.
- Check in periodically. This lets the survivor know you believe them and care about their wellbeing.
- Don’t be afraid of silence. The most powerful statement a friend can make is by simply being there.
- Knowing your resources will help you be a stronger support. Become familiar with resources, both on and off campus. (See resources fact sheet for on and off-campus resources.)
Victims of abuse [or assault] should be assured that they are not to blame for the harmful behavior of others. They do not need to feel guilty. If they have been a victim of rape or other sexual abuse, whether they have been abused by an acquaintance, a stranger, or even a family member, victims of sexual abuse are not guilty of sexual sin.
Agency, Accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ: Application to Sexual Assault
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Resources
-“It wasn't your fault.”
-“Thank you for telling me.”
-“I'm always here if you want to talk.”
-“Can I do anything for you?”
-“How much longer will you feel this way?”
-“It's not that big of a deal; it happens to lots of people.”
-“What were you wearing?”
Helping Yourself Helps
One of the most compassionate ways to help someone who has survived sexual violence is to practice good self-care. It is normal to feel emotions such as helplessness, guilt, shame, loss of intimacy, loss of routine, frustration, need for retaliation, overprotection, and anger. It is important to acknowledge these emotions and work through them. Self-care may include maintaining your lifestyle and making time to do things that promote a sense of wellness. It can be overwhelming if you only focus on the sexual assault. Consider speaking with a mental health professional. They will offer support to overcome difficult thoughts and feelings you may experience.