If you know someone who has experienced sexual assault or rape, you can help in the following ways:
- Listen. Taking the time to listen and talk about what has happened can help.
- Signpost options. Ask them if they’re okay to talk through some possible options for support or how they might disclose what has happened. Do not take on the role of a counsellor or therapist. Your role is not to judge or influence the person’s decision.
- Help them make a disclosure. If they want to, and you feel able to, you can help them disclose the incident or incidents.
- Look after your own wellbeing. Check in with yourself after the conversation and access the help or support you need. Life Span have produced a guide on practising self-care that may be useful.