How to Support a Survivor

It takes immense courage for a survivor of sexual assault or domestic violence to open up. How you respond can play a pivotal role in their healing journey. Your response can play a crucial role in their healing journey. Here are six practical steps—words, actions, and resources—that can help you offer meaningful support when someone confides in you. You don’t have to be a therapist—just a safe person. When someone opens up to you, it means they trust you to show support, compassion, and care. If someone opens up to you, it's because they trust you to provide support, compassion, and understanding. While you can’t erase what happened, you can offer comfort and help ease their pain. Supporting a survivor isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, staying grounded, and being someone they can trust, especially if you follow these 6 tips: 1. Listen: Sometimes, just listening without saying much can be incredibly powerful. For many survivors, sharing their story helps lift the burden of isolation, secrecy, and self-blame. Simply being present and listening is a powerful act of love and support. 2. Validate: Think back to a time when you felt vulnerable or went through a crisis. What likely helped you most wasn’t a particular conversation, but the knowledge that someone believed in you and was there for you. Here are some comforting phrases you can use: “I’m so sorry this happened to you.” “I believe you.” “This is not your fault.” “You’re not alone. I’m here for you, and I’m glad you told me.” Because of widespread victim-blaming in society, many survivors internalize guilt or shame. Remind them gently and often that they are not responsible for the harm done to them: “Nothing you did makes this your fault.” “The responsibility lies with the person who hurt you.” “No one ever has the right to hurt you.” “I promise, you didn’t ask for this.” “It doesn’t matter what you did or didn’t do. No one deserves this.” 3. Ask how you can help: Abuse is about power and control, so it’s important for survivors to regain a sense of personal power. Instead of telling them what to do, ask how you can best support them. Allow them to make their own decisions at their own pace. 4. Provide helpful resources: Offering options while leaving the survivor in control can be one of the best ways to help. Here are some national resources you can share: Survivor Rights Legal Advocates Online Contact Form RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.4673 | www.rainn.org National Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.422.4453 | www.childhelp.org National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233 | www.thehotline.org National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1.866.331.9474 | www.loveisrespect.orgLet them know there’s no pressure to take action right away. Just having these resources available can help them feel more in control when they’re ready. 5. Keep the door open: Remind the survivor that you’re available to talk if they ever want to share more. Healing from trauma can be a long, complex process filled with both difficult and uplifting moments. It can be comforting for them to know that you're there to support them throughout the journey. 6. Take care of yourself: Supporting someone through their trauma can take an emotional toll. It’s normal to experience vicarious trauma when hearing about someone else’s abuse or pain. It’s essential to care for your own well-being so you can continue to offer support with compassion and patience. After difficult conversations, take time to recharge by enjoying a calming activity or spending time outdoors. Remember, you can only be there for others if you first take care of yourself. By honoring your own needs, you’ll be in the best position to help someone else along their healing journey.

How to Support a Survivor

6 Meaningful Ways to Support a Survivor of Sexual Abuse

How to Support Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted

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How to Support a Survivor

6 Meaningful Ways to Support a Survivor of Sexual Abuse

How to Support Someone Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted

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