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How to Help a Survivor

BELIEVE them. It is not your role to question whether a rape occurred. In reality, false rape reports are no more or less common than false reports for other violent crimes.

HELP them explore their options. Don't take charge of the situation and pressure the rape survivor to do what you think s/he should. That's what the rapist did. Give her/him the freedom to choose a path of recovery that is most comfortable, even if you would do it differently. Remember, there is no one right way for a survivor to respond after being assaulted.

LISTEN to them. It is crucial to let survivors know that they can talk to you about their experience when they are ready. Some may not wish to speak with you immediately, but at some point during the healing process it is likely that the survivor will come to you for support. When that happens, don't interrupt, or yell, or inject your feelings. Just open your ears to the pain of being raped. Your caring but silent attention will be invaluable.

NEVER BLAME them for being assaulted. No one ever deserves to be raped. No matter what they wore, how many times they had sex before, whether they were walking alone at night, whether they got drunk, if they were married, or whether they went up to the perpetrator’s room. Even if the survivor feels responsible, say clearly and caringly, "It wasn't your fault."

ASK before you touch. Don't assume that physical contact, even in the form of a gentle touch or hug, will be comforting to a survivor. Many survivors, especially within the first weeks after an assault, prefer to avoid sex or simple touching even by those they love and trust. Be patient. Give them the space they need, and try your best not to take it personally. One way to signal to the survivor that you are open to giving physical comfort is to sit with an open posture and a hand palm up nearby.

UTILIZE community resources. Provide information about the local rape crisis center. The SARP Center can be reached on their 24 hour hotline at 805-545-8888. Additionally, the national sexual assault hotline is 1-800-656-HOPE.

EMPOWER the survivor to make decisions for his or herself. Do not tell the survivor what to do or make decisions for her or him. It is the survivor's right to say if she or he wants to get counseling or report to the police, etc.

RECOGNIZE that you've been hurt too. We can't help but be hurt when someone we love is made to suffer. Don't blame yourself for the many feelings you will have after learning that someone close to you has been raped. Sadness, confusion, anger, helplessness, fear, guilt, disappointment, shock, anxiety, desperation, and compassion are all common reactions for survivors and their significant others. Being aware of these emotions will ultimately help you better understand the survivor's experience and be more supportive.

GET HELP for yourself. Whether you reach out to a friend, family member, counselor or religious professional, make sure you don't go through this experience alone. Most rape crisis centers offer counseling for significant others and family members because they realize that the impact of rape extends far beyond the survivor. The SARP Center has confidential, 24-hour services available to significant others. Suppressing your feelings will only make you less available to support the survivor. Remember, asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

— Margaret Mead

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