Help Someone You Care About
It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially when that person is a family member, friend, or loved one. Consider the following ways of showing support:
- Listen. Be there. Communicate without judgment.
- If the survivor seeks medical attention or plans to report, offer to be there. Your presence can offer the support they need.
- Encourage the survivor to get support. Share resources like The Association for Victims of Sexual Crimes website, but realize that only they can make the decision to get help.
- Be patient. Remember, there is no timetable for recovering from trauma. Avoid putting pressure on them to engage in activities they aren’t ready to do yet.
- Encourage them to practice good self-care during this difficult time.
- If someone you care about is considering suicide, learn the warning signs, and offer help and support.
It’s important that you take care of yourself, too.
If you want to talk about sexual violence with a professional ready to help, send an email to: help@asistentavictime.ro
We give voice and power to victims of sexual violence. We see the effects of our interventions in communities facing sexual predators. We approach all cases of sexual violence that come to us with empathy, depth and professionalism.
If you have an urgent question, we encourage you to use our available resources promptly, you can contact us via phone, chat or email.
Help us provide legal aid, psychotherapy and forensic psychological expertise to as many children, witnesses or victims of sex crimes as possible. With your donation, we can provide them with essential support on their road to recovery. Donate right now to our cause.
If you want to talk about sexual violence with a professional ready to help, we are here.