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 confidentiality.  Do not share anything with anyone without your friend's permission.
• CARE for yourself.  Seek help to deal with your feelings about what happened.