How To Be Supportive

More than anyone else, it is those closest to a survivor who will influence how readily she or he will heal. If she has no one to tell, no one to validate her experience, and especially her feelings, she will find it all the more difficult to recover her equilibrium.

To be most helpful, listen. Assure her that all her feelings are okay. Help her refrain from acting on those feelings in ways that are self-destructive or may hurt others. Express your caring.

If you are tempted to take revenge on the perpetrator, remember that this will be dangerous for you and not helpful to the survivor. You also need to take care not to act on your feelings in ways that will hurt you or any other person.

Remember that our counselors at Rape Trauma Services offer support to you as well. We do this because it is important for the survivor's well-being and because we care about you and your experience.

For support call our 24-hour hotline at (650) 692-RAPE (7273).