As we’ve seen in recent years, with support campaigns such as #metoo and #ibelieveyou making rounds on social media, it is clear that we as a global community are working on bringing more awarenes to the societal affliction that is sexual assault.
While the Internet is a great platform for spreading awareness and bringing people together, it is also crucial that we implement this level of support for those we are face to face with as well – and this can seem intimidating.
Of course, it’s easy to retweet someone’s story as a show of support, but that won’t necessarily help if we are faced with a situation in which someone we know has been sexually assaulted.
We need to learn how to support a victim of sexual assault in more tangible and personal ways.
Choose Your Words Wisely
One of the most important aspects we need to take into consideration if we are faced with someone who has been sexually assaulted is how we speak to them. If they are opening up to you, your response is going to be your initial show of support.
It’s not easy to find the right words, if there are any, to comfort someone who has been sexually assaulted. The best thing you can do is to speak genuinely and in a comforting and non-judgmental manner. Remind them that they are not to blame, that they are not alone, and that they did not deserve what happened.
Be There to Support Them
If your friend chooses to go to the authorities – support them.
Reporting a sexual assault can be intimidating and overwhelming, especially given the circumstances – it can really help to have a familiar and friendly face there with them.
Do some research on what to expect when filing a sexual assault report. By doing so, you make yourself capable of aiding them through the process, should they welcome the help.
Some sexual assault reports may result in a criminal trial. Standing up in court against the person who assaulted them is one the bravest yet most difficult things a sexual assault survivor can do. If someone you know is doing so, make sure to be there to help and support them through any potential criminal proceedings.
Remember; let them know they are not alone.
Believe Them
Of course, above everything else, if someone close to you has been a victim of sexual assault, the most important thing you can do to support them is believe them. Don’t assume that this person knows you believe them – be sure to tell them.
Fear of not being believed is one of the major reasons sexual assault victims don’t come forward to the authorities.
Stand Together
Around 1 in 5 women, and 1 in 71 men, will be raped at some point in their lives, and even more will experience other forms of sexual assault or harassment. These statistics are appalling.
While we are working towards living in a world where these statistics won’t even exist, we are surely not there yet. Until then, we need do what we can do – and that is to be there to support those who have been victimized by this crime.
