Helping a Friend

How to help a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Abused

Believe your friend. Many people who have been sexually abused fear that no one will believe them or that their experience will be trivialized.
Let your friend be in control of the situation, i.e., deciding who is informed of the incident. Trust and control over your friend's life has been disturbed. She/He needs to regain control and needs to be able to trust you. Respect confidentiality.
Reassure your friend that she/he is not to blame.
Let your friend know you care. This may be the first time your friend has talked about the abuse.
Inform your friend about the resource list in this brochure.
Get help for yourself. You may feel the need to talk with someone about your own feelings and concerns.