Oftentimes, the best thing you’ve got the option to do is to just make yourself available.
It’s also important toactively listento what they have to say if they want to talk.
Strive to be supportive and nonjudgmental and assure them that you believe them.
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Oftentimes, survivors ofsexual assaultwill blame themselves for what happened.
You also should let them know that you’re sorry this happened to them.
Here are some additional ways you’ve got the option to support a victim of sexual assault.
Listen to what your loved one has to say without having any large, emotional outbursts.
Ask Permission
Most people want to reach out and hug the person who has been assaulted.
But it’s important to remember that this person may not want to be touched.
As a result, be sure you ask permission before hugging your friend or family member.
You also should refrain from putting your hand on their arm or holding their hands until you ask permission.
Simply asking “Can I give you a hug?”
goes a long way in re-establishing your loved one’s sense of safety and control.
Then, if your friend declines, respect that decision.
Never make a run at force your loved one to hug you.
This violates their sense of autonomy and takes away their control.
For this reason, you want to empower them to make decisions about what steps to take next.
Avoid giving too much advice or trying to fix the situation.
Instead, if they want to get a medical exam or report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
offer to go with them.
Do not pressure them into taking steps they are not ready for.
As much as you want justice, your loved one needs to decide what steps to take and when.
Maintain Confidentiality
Remember, this sexual assault is not your story to tell.
So, do not share the details of your loved one’s experience without permission.
Let the victim decide who to tell about the assault.
Most victims of sexual assault struggle with a great deal ofshameand embarrassment.
Sharing the details of the victim’s experience with others will just deepen those wounds.
Allow your loved one the opportunity to decide who knows what happened.
But it can be very disempowering to the victim.
Instead, ask what your friend or family member would like for you to do.
Sometimes the answer will be as simple as just being there.
For instance, loved ones sometimes are afraid to be alone.
So, they may want you to stay with them for a few nights.
Rather than assuming you know what your friend or family member needs, ask them instead.
For instance, do not skip classes or call off work every time your loved one calls.
Instead, set a time to talk that works for both of you.
Research your community’s resources and provide your loved one with the information.
Additionally, learn what you’re free to about how victims of sexual assault may be feeling.
It also will help dispel any misconceptions you might have about sexual assault.
Additionally, you don’t want to take away your loved one’s control.
Instead, gently suggest counseling and offer several options for support groups.
Be Aware of Red Flags
People who have been sexually assaulted experience a range of emotions.
In fact, no two people will think or feel the same way as the next person.
Consequently, it is important that you know how to recognize any red flags in your loved one.
These indicators may be a sign that your friend or family member is in crisis.
Other things you gotta watch for include changes in eating and sleeping habits,nightmares, and flashbacks.
If your loved one is experiencing any of these things, seek to get help right away.
Encourage them to talk with a counselor or to seek medical attention.
In an emergency, do not be afraid to call 911.
It is not uncommon for victims of sexual assault to isolate themselves.
But don’t give up on them.
Continue to invite them to do things with you.
Even if they decline, most people still appreciate the invite.
It helps them feel like they are still valued and lovedespecially at a time when they feel soalone.
Be patient with your loved one.
Eventually, they will accept your invitations.
Just don’t give up and stop asking.
They need to know you are there even if they refuse the offer.
Honor Their Recovery
Healing from sexual assault is a long process that never truly ends.
What’s more, the path to recovery looks different for everyone.
They also will need to address any negative behaviors or habits they developed in order tocopewith their situation.
Finally, many survivors of sexual assault also focus on reclaiming their personal power and addressing anyintimacy issues.
As your loved one works through this process, it’s important that you are patient and supportive.
The healing process is ongoing and you want to be as supportive as you’re able to.
Touch base periodically with your friend or family member.
Even if the assault happened a while ago, that does not mean that the pain is gone.
Remind them that you still care about their well-being and ask if they need anything.
Be willing to listen if they need to vent and point them toward appropriate resources when needed.
Remember, you might support your loved ones through the healing process, but you cannot heal them.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National online grid (RAINN).Scope of the Problem: Statistics.
