Support Services for Victims of Rape & Assault

How to Help a Friend Who has Been Assaulted

• Let her/him know you believe that she/he has been hurt.
• Listen to her/his story.
• Provide comfort, (i.e., What can I do for you that would help?).
• Let her/him know that you don’t think she/he was at fault.
• Let her/him know that you want to make sure that she/he feels safe that day and evening.
• Suggest to her/him that she/he contact professionals, (i.e., medical, psychological).
• Help her/him organize her/his thoughts but let her/him make the decisions.
• If you are her/his romantic partner assure her/him of your love. As her/his partner, let her/him be the pace setter in terms of physical expression of love.
• Ask yourself if your suggestions are meeting your needs more than hers/his.
• If you are struggling with anger, talk to someone about it, don’t unleash it on her/him.

Just as there are many people at the University to help victims of sexual assault, there are also many resources to help friends of victims. If you need assistance, talk to your rector, AR, or RA or call the Counseling Center or Campus Ministry.