The Public Honors College
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Pizza Campus from the Water

Upcoming Events

Campus Flu Shot Clinic

Wed, October 19th

1:00pm-7:00pm

DPC (details to follow)

Sex Signals

Friday, August 26th

6:30pm & 8:00pm

Bruce Davis Theatre

Questions?
Contact Us

Denise Shaffer
Office Associate II
Phone: 240-895-4289

How to help a friend or loved one

The following are tips on how to help a friend or loved one who has been sexually assaulted:

  • Don't be judgmental.
    Believe in your friend; do not blame him or her.
  • Let your friend make his or her own decisions.
    Encouraging your friend to make decisions will help him or her to gain some control.
  • Respect your friend's privacy.
    Do not share what happened to your friend with other people. Let him or her decide who will know.
  • Encourage your friend to get help.
    Provide your friend with information on where he or she can get help.
  • Be there.
    You can help your friend by offering your support and understanding.
  • Listen.
    This is a great way to show your support. Do not push your friend to talk, but when he or she is ready, be available with an open mind and heart.
  • Be patient.
    Healing takes time; just be there for your friend.
  • Take care of yourself.
    Find support for yourself. A counselor can help you process and understand your own feelings about your friend's experience. 

This information was adapted from Help a Loved One on the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) website.

Aerial view of St. Mary's College of Maryland campus

St. Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Rd
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001
240-895-2000