Whether you are a parent, friend, spouse, partner, or other family member, you can be a pivotal force in your loved one’s recovery from sexual assault.
- Tell her/him you believe them.
- Be supportive and thank that person for sharing their experience.
- Tell her/him it was not their fault.
- Listen, Listen, Listen.
- Focus on the survivor’s emotions, not on actual facts about the assault.
- Do not accuse or judge your loved one.
- Gently encourage the survivor to report the assault, but respect her/his decision if they choose not to.
- If you are their partner, do not pressure them for sex.
- It is normal to feel enraged that someone hurt your loved one, but the focus should remain on the survivor’s emotions.
- Although it may be difficult, try not to over-protect your loved one.
- Encourage them to seek professional counseling.
- Do not pretend the assault never happened.
- Remember even if the assault or abuse happened a long time ago, you could be the first person they have told. Your reaction will have a big impact on them.
Watch this video with advice from Angela Rose on how to assist a loved one:
