What Can I Do If
A Friend Is Raped?
After a sexual assault,
there are several important things to
remember. The following guidelines will be helpful in assisting a
sexual assault survivor.
1. Believe them and offer support.
No matter what the
circumstances, rape is NEVER the
victim’s fault. With this in mind, one of the biggest factors in
recovery is whether or not the survivor feels that they were believed.
Believing and supporting your friend will help them in their recovery.
2. Encourage your friend to get medical attention.
If the sexual assault has
just occurred, your friend will need medical
attention immediately. At the hospital, doctors can treat injuries,
check for STD’s, administer pregnancy prevention medication, and
collect evidence if your friend decides to press charges. Remind your
friend not to eat, drink, bathe, or use the restroom before seeking
medical attention.
3. Encourage your friend to talk to a counselor.
If the sexual assault has
just occurred, calling Rape Crisis can help
your friend deal with the immediate crisis, as well as providing them
with information and referrals. NWARC also offers one-on-one support to
help deal with the after affects of sexual assault. On-going support
may also be helpful.
4. Encourage your friend to report the sexual assault
to the police.
Reporting the crime of
sexual assault to law enforcement does not
require that your friend press charges. However, pressing charges may
help your friend feel empowered after a sexual assault and may keep the
perpetrator from sexually assaulting someone again. To report, your
friend may call the local police department, or on campus, call the
campus police. Remember, the decision to report is always the
survivor’s choice.
5. Offer support and safety to your friend.
After an assault your
friend may feel too frightened to stay alone.
Offer to stay with your friend or invite them to stay with you. Your
friend will go through quite a bit in the months and years that follow
an assault. Be prepared to offer support to your friend during their
time of healing.
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Contact
NWARC
What
To Do After an Assault
Rape Trauma Syndrome
Secondary
Survivors
What
Can I Do If a Friend is Raped?
Resources
and Links
Event
Photos
24-hour
Hotline:
479-927-1020
or
800-794-4175
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