How to Help

On this page, I will give you tips, resources, and ideas on how to help someone you know who has been sexually assaulted

What to Say to a Victim of Sexual Assault

Anchor 1

“I believe you. / It took a lot of courage to tell me about this.”

Many times victims are scared and hesitant to come out and say they have been assaulted because they feel that people won't believe them. However, when you tell them that you believe them and it took a lot of courage for them to say what they did. Avoid any why questions and just tell them that you believe them and be there for them.

“It’s not your fault. / You didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

Victim blaming is a huge issue when it comes to sexual assault, so letting the victim know that it is not their fault and they didn't deserve anything that happened to them is a great idea.

“You are not alone. / I care about you and am here to listen or help in any way I can.”

When a victim comes to you and tells you what they have experienced, letting them know you are there for them and willing to listen will make them more comfortable to share what they have been going through. If they feel that they can not go to anyone else let them know you will always be there and that there are providers such as the hotlines or therapists they can also speak too.

“I’m sorry this happened. / This shouldn’t have happened to you.”

Make sure that you acknowledge that this experience has changed their life. Saying that "I'm sorry this happened," or "This shouldn't have happened to you," will show empathy and that you care.

Continued Support

Anchor 2

Although there is no specific time for a victim to come out and share their experience, when they do come out and share there are a couple of things you can do to support them:

Avoid Judgement:

Avoiding Judgement can be one of the best things you could do for a survivor. Watching a survivor who has been going through this for a while, will become difficult, so avoiding phrases like “You’ve been acting like this for a while now,” or “How much longer will you feel this way,” would be best.

Checking in Periodically:

No matter how long ago the sexual assault has happened, that doesn't mean they have healed over it. Checking in with the survivor once in a while and letting them know that you are still there to talk to them, will remind them people still care about what happened and their well-being.

How to get Involved

Anchor 3

Spread Awareness during April (National Sexual Assault Awareness Month)

"Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. It is observed in April."

Volunteer as a Crisis Counselor for the Hotline

You can become a volunteer as an online crisis counselor for RAINN. All you need to do is attend three training sessions, complete a 20-hour online training session, be 18 years of age, and adhere to the National Sexual Assault Hotline's policies. The website below will bring you to the website in which you can sign up.

Fundraise to support survivors

There are many ways you can raise funds to support victims of sexual assault. You can either campaign, raise funds to celebrate your birthday, or rally with loved ones or the community to support survivors. The link below will bring you to a website that will show you how to fundraise for your birthday.

https://fundraise.rainn.org/campaign/pledge-your-birthday-for-rainn/c55400

Spread the word on Social Media

There are many ways that social media can help spread the word of sexual assault awareness. You can connect with survivors and listen to their stories, educate your friends by providing with different resources and information, advocate for survivors of sexual assault by spreading awareness, and ask family and friends over social media to donate to sexual assault awareness foundations.

“Fundraise for RAINN.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/fundraise-rainn.

“Get Involved.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/get-involved.

Pledge Your Birthday for RAINN!, fundraise.rainn.org/campaign/pledge-your-birthday-for-rainn/c55400.

“Spread the Word on Social Media.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/campaigns/spread-word-social-media.

“Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault.

“Volunteer with RAINN.” RAINN, www.rainn.org/volunteer.