Helping a Friend Who Has Been Assaulted.

• Make sure that your friend is in a safe place and encourage them to seek medical attention (STD’s and pregnancy may be a concern).

• Encourage your friend not to change clothes or shower after the attack, as it could destroy physical evidence.

• Commend your friend for surviving the assault.

• Let your friend know that you care and will continue to do so.

• Stress that the attack was not your friend’s fault at all.

• Believe without judgement.

• Say that no one deserves to be raped no matter what they do, say, wear, or what decisions they make.

• Try not to be overly protective.

• Let your friend take control and make as many choices as possible.

• Accept your friend’s decision about whether to prosecute when that decision is made.

• Listen and be attainable.

• Be patient and understanding. Everyone has their own timetable for recovery.

• Encourage your friend to seek support from others and to have more than one support person.

• Suggest soothing activities for your friend.

• It is okay not to know the answers to all of the questions that come up.

• Make sure that you have support and outlets for your feelings.

• Cope with your own feelings away from your friend.