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Healing: What To Do If You or Someone You
Know Is a Survivor
Sexual assault and
relationship violence is more common than we like
to think. Studies show that 1 in 4 women and 3% of
men will be survivors of sexual assault in their
lifetimes. Furthermore, sexual violence affects
individuals of all ethnicities, sexual
orientations and socio-economic statuses. Thus,
without realizing it, we all likely know someone
who has been abused, assaulted or violated at some
point in their lives. While we may want to help,
many of us may not know how. Here are a few
suggestions for seeking help for yourself, or for
responding to someone you suspect may be a
survivor of sexual assault, rape, or dating
violence.
If you were recently assaulted –
Helpful tips for self-care/action:
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Go to a safe place.
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Tell someone–a
friend, family member, rape crisis advocate, or
professional.
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Seek ongoing
support–the resources on the following page are
available to you.
-
Medical follow-up
is recommended to ensure your physical
well-being. This can be done at the local
emergency department, student health, or your
physician.
-
You have the option
of reporting. Evidence collection can be done at
the Emergency Department within five days of an
assault. To pursue this option, it is best not
to shower, bathe, change clothes or douche in
order to preserve physical evidence. Having
evidence collected does not obligate you to
proceed with legal or judicial action and
anonymous reporting is an option.
If you were assaulted in the past
– Helpful tips for self-care/action:
Sexual assault and
relationship violence can have a lasting impact
on an individual’s well-being. Survivors may
experience feelings of depression, guilt, anger,
fear, grief and loss, and may find their
relationships, academic performance, and
day-to-day functioning affected. If you are
experiencing distress of any kind, please know
that it is possible to heal.
Tell someone–a
friend, family member, rape crisis advocate, or
professional–even if you didn’t tell anyone at
the time it happened.
Seek ongoing
support–the resources on the following page are
available to you.
You have the option
of reporting–to the police or the Office of
Judicial Affairs, either formally or
anonymously.
How to help a friend - Suggestions
for being supportive:
Be a good listener.
Respond to feelings as well as words.
Believe her/him.
People rarely make up stories of sexual assault,
rape or abuse.
Don’t blame the
person. No victim asks to be assaulted; no one
deserves to be assaulted.
Provide support
without taking over. Encourage the individual to
explore their options and let the individual
make her/his own decisions.
Respect the
individual’s privacy. Let the individual decide
whom she/he will tell.
Be there during the
long healing process and provide ongoing
support.
Take care of
yourself. The resources on the following page
are available to you too.
Tips on what to say to
support a survivor.
If you think you have hurt
someone:
If you are
experiencing distress because you think you have
assaulted someone, seek support. The resources
on the following pages are also available to
you.
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Resources
Ethical
Definitions of Sexual Assault & Rape
Understanding
Survivors' Experiences
Healing: Taking
Care of Yourself
What Do I Say to Someone Who Has Experienced
Violence?
Special considerations for diverse population
Risk
Reduction
&
Prevention
Organizational
Resources
for Survivors
Recommended Readings
Download the
Entire Resource Page
Terms of Use
Acknowledgement
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