| |
- Believe your friend. Not being believed is what victims fear
most. The FBI estimates that less than 2% of rape reports are
false. This is less than for any other felony.
- Listen to your friend and concentrate on understanding her or his
feelings.
- Allow her or him to be silent; you don't have to talk every time
s/he stops talking.
- Make it clear that the survivor is not to blame for the
assault. Don't ask questions that imply that the rape was your
friend's fault such as "why did you go to his room?" or "why
didn't you scream?" Poor judgements do not make a crime
the victim's fault.
- In date or acquaintance rape situations, the victim may continue
to have contact with the assailant. This does not mean that
the rape did not happen or that it was not traumatic.If the assault
occurred within the past 72 hours, encourage your friend to go to
the Rape Treatment
Center to have a rape exam and to have evidence gathered.Ask
how you can help, but don't be discouraged if your friend isn't sure.
Offer to provide concrete support such as going with your friend
to get medical help, calling S.A.R.T. (305) 798-6666,
the police (305) 284-6666 or 911, or other helping people.Offer to
stay with your friend so s/he doesn't have to be alone.Regaining
a sense of control is one of the most important aspects of recovery. Help
your friend to do this by supporting her or his decisions about how
to proceed. Do not tell her or him what to do.Do not tell anyone
about the assault without your friend's permission.Encourage your
friend to seek professional help too.
- Click on Who
Can Help? for details about helping resources on campus
|
|
Copyright 1997-2008