Sexual Assault: Helping A Friend

• Attend to immediate medical needs. Caution your friend not to shower and to preserve clothing in a paper bag.
• Believe your friend. Validate what happened. They have a right to be upset and to know you believe them.
• Be a good listener and don't interrupt. Let your friend tell their story.
• Listen-listen-listen.
• Let your friend make the decisions about next steps. Don't force your ideas on him/her. Power was taken away during the assault. Your role is to help your friend take back their personal power.
• Make a referral to a counselor.
• Get help yourself. Talk to someone in the Counseling Center so you can be the best possible friend.