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Help a Friend Who Has Been Raped or Sexually Assaulted

Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental. Be patient.

Remember, it will take your friend some time to deal with the crime. Help to empower your friend or family member. Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual's power.

It is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on your friend or family member to do things that she or he is not ready to do yet.

Encourage your friend to report the crime to law enforcement (call 911 or 478.9911 on campus).

If your friend has questions about the criminal justice process, talking with someone on the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 1.800.656.HOPE (4673), can help. If your friend is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany him or her.

Do :

• Be supportive.
• Share your feelings.
• Listen.
• Communicate that your friend is not responsible for the violation.
• Make sure she or he has a safe place to stay.
• Realize that you, too, have been affected and seek counseling if necessary.
• Allow your friend to regain control by making her or his own decisions.
• Make yourself available to accompany your friend to the hospital or Counseling Center.

Don't:

• Attempt to seek revenge.
• Make jokes.
• Be angry with your friend.
• Force your friend to talk.
• Ask your friend how he or she could have "let this happen."
• Assume you can understand how your friend feels.
• Take control.
• Discuss the incident with others unless you have permission from the victim.

Common Responses to Recent Sexual Assault

• Your friend may feel ashamed, guilty, fearful or numb. Her sense of self worth may be diminished after an assault. It is important to remember that the attack is not your fault.
  
  
• Your friend may find it difficult to trust and to be intimate with others.
  
  
• Your friend may experience flashbacks of the incident.
  
  
• Your friend may experience fear of being alone.
  
  
• Your friend may experience nightmares or other sleep disturbances.
  
  
• Your friend may not be able to concentrate and focus. This can affect academic or job performance.

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