Sexual assault is an immensely traumatizing experience to which anyone who has not experienced it may have difficulty relating. If you have a friend or family member who has recently been a victim of this crime, you may be unsure about the best way to provide support. From simply lending an ear to offering to help them seek out counseling services, here are a few ways you can show you’re there for them.

5 Ways to Help a Friend or Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted

1. Offer to Listen

If your friend or family member has opened up to you, it’s likely because they feel speaking to someone will help them navigate confusing or challenging thoughts and emotions. Often, what they need most is for you to listen. Avoid recommending any course of action at this stage – simply allow the person to get their feelings out.

2. Remind Them It’s Not Their Fault

Victim blaming is an unfortunate aspect of sexual assault, and sometimes victims may even try to claim the crime was their own fault. Remind them that nothing ever warrants unwanted sexual advances or actions. No matter what anyone else has told them, they cannot be held accountable for someone else’s criminal behavior.

3. Ask Judgment-Free Questions

You can ask questions about any actions your friend or family member may have taken following their assault, including whether they’ve involved authorities, but remember to reserve any judgment. The victim most likely already has conflicting and complicated feelings. Criticism will only make them feel worse, so make sure your questions are entirely objective.

4. Invite to Help Them Seek Out Counseling Services

Another question you can ask is whether your friend has already sought out counseling services, or if they’d like to. If they seem receptive to the idea, offer to help them find a psychologist in the area who can offer support. Your friend may be nervous, so consider offering to take them to their appointment. 

5. Allow Them to Make Their Own Decisions

Each individual who has experienced sexual assault processes and responds to the event in their own manner. Perhaps your friend isn’t ready to confront the issue any further at this point in time, in which case you should still be there for them without trying to force them to do anything. Respect their autonomy and understand that this is a deeply personal challenge.

If you or someone you know could benefit from counseling services, contact the compassionate team from Feinberg & Associates. Serving Lexington, KY, this practice has been providing marriage and family counseling for more than 25 years. Their mental health professionals excel in helping individuals through depression, anxiety, and PTSD, among other challenges. Explore their full list of treatments by visiting their website or call (859) 233-3390 to schedule an appointment.