How To Help A Friend
- Be a good listener. You may be the first one she tells about the rape.
- Believe her. Other people may doubt her or even blame her.
- Provide a warm and trusting environment so she feels comfortable telling you what happened. Many victims don’t tell anyone they’ve been raped perhaps because of overreactions or being blamed.
- Let her know she’s not to blame. No one deserves to be raped, no matter what the circumstances.
- Be supportive. Keep in mind that she really needs a friend.
- Offer comfort and support. Offer to go with her to the hospital, police station, or counseling center.
- Read a book about surviving rape, e.g. I Never Called It Rape by Robin Warshaw. Se the Bibliography fact she for other books.
- If you are not sure hot to help your friend, get some advice from a rape counselor.
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