How to Help a Friend
You can take an active role in helping a friend or family member who is a survivor of sexual violence.
Immediate Support
- Make sure your friend or family member is safe.
- Help them secure medical services.
- Offer to be with them or to call a support person.
- Offer to call the police (either 911 or the non-emergency number).
- Offer to report the incident to the College's Title IX Coordinator.
- Offer to call victim advocate services for assistance with immediate needs.
Ongoing Support
- LISTEN to what your friend tells you. Know that talking about what happened usually takes a great deal of strength and courage.
- BELIEVE what he or she has to say. People rarely make up stories about sexual violence. Reinforce that they are not to blame.
- SUPPORT your friend during this difficult time. The recovery process can be slow.
- RESPECT your friend's privacy and confidentality. Do not share anything with anyone without your friend's permission.
- CARE for yourself. Seek help to deal with your feelings about what happened.