When Someone Close to you has been assaulted
You can help by:
- BELIEVING THEM
- Listening and allwoing them the opportunity to talk about hte event in their own time and in their own way
- Not judging them
- Spending time with them
- Allowing them some private time
- Reassuring them they are safe
- Allowing them the opportunity to express their feelings
- Not taking the person's anger and feelings personally
- Helping with some tasks (e.g., childcare or cooking), if this is what they want
- Not saying things such as "lucky it wasn't worse"-people who have experienced a trauma are not consoled by these statements
WHAT THE VICTIM MIGHT EXPERIENCE AFTER THE ASSAULT
Everyone reacts differently to a traumatic event. Each individual is unique, with different experiences, coping strategies, and support systems. Survivors of sexual assault have reported experiencing some of the following:
- Denial
- Guilt, shame, and self-blame
- Fear and lack of trust of people
- Lack of energy
- Substance abuse
- Grief, sadness, and depression
- Anger and irritability
- Shock or disorientation
- Memory loss or flashbacks
- Problems with sleeping or eating
- Openly emotional or emotional numbness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Healing from trauma takes time. Sexual violence can have psychological and physical effects on a survivor. Talking to an advocate can help victims make informed decisions, determine their next steps, and begin the healing process. Please call the Family Crisis Center at 1-800-698-1240 or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.