Sexual Violence | If you have been assaulted in the past five days | How to help a friend | Reporting | Resources for students

How can I help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?
Believe him or her. Sexual assault is a very traumatic event. Providing sensitive support to a friend who has been assaulted is very important. Victims very often blame themselves for the assault and may display a range of emotions from denial to tears to anger. It's important that you not judge your friend or the situation he or she may have been in when the assault occurred. If victims know they will not be believed, they are much less likely to come forward about an assault and seek help. Reassuring your friend that he or she is not to blame for the assault is also very important. When victims have support they are more likely to report an assault and get help.

For more information about sexual assault and how to support a friend who has been sexually assaulted, visit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center or Men Can Stop Rape online.

This project was supported by Grant No. 2005-WA-AX-0015 awarded by the Office of Violence Against Women and the U.S. Department of Justice. Points of view in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.