Supporting Victims

A person is likely to have several physical and emotional needs after experiencing an act of sexual violence. It is very common for a person to have concerns about sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. Mood swings and flashbacks are also normal, and can feel frightening to the person experiencing them.

It can be very difficult for victims of sexual assault to talk about what happened. A victim may struggle with who to tell about it. They may worry about how friends and family may react, and this can add further stress to an already traumatic situation. If you have a friend who has experienced sexual assault, these tips will be help you support them in this difficult time.

Believe

A friend will have to overcome a lot of emotional obstacles just to be able to talk about the experience. If someone is telling you about being sexually assaulted, chances are they're telling the truth. Believing your friend is important.

Never blame

Any crime is never the victim's fault. No one ever asks to be raped or assaulted. Don't judge how the victim acted prior to, during, or after the incident.

Respect

If your friend doesn't want to report an assault to the authorities, respect their decision.

Validate

Your friend will be experiencing a range of emotions, including anger, pain, fear, shock and denial. These are all natural reactions to a traumatic experience. Encourage your friend to seek counseling to process feelings and emotions.

Encourage

In addition to seeking emotional help, you can tell your friend about the medical resources for sexual assault that are available on your campus.

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For more information on how to support a victim of sexual violence, visit titleix.psu.edu/offer-support/