…Has Been Sexually Assaulted:
- Listen to them.
- Tell them it’s not their fault, no matter what.
- Validate whatever it is that they are feeling. Feelings after a sexual assault are varied, but they are all normal.
- Offer them resources, like phone numbers or websites.
- Do not encourage them to report…list it as an option, but do not pressure them to make a report, they may not feel ready to do so. A good way to look at it from all sides is to ask them if they’d like to make a pros and cons list about reporting and not reporting.
- Offer to go with them to talk to someone else, make a report (if they decide to), or just to look for more information. It will help them to know that they have such non-judgmental support from you.
- Do not say antagonistic things about the attacker. In most cases, the attacker was someone close to your friend, and it may feel confusing for them to hear you talking in a harsh way about that person.