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You are here: Home >> Resources
>> Handouts >> How Do You Help
a Survivor of Sexual Assault?
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September, 2004
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Keep in mind the following concepts...
 | The perpetrator, not the survivor, is responsible for the assault --
always.
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| Survivors have made the best choices and decisions possible -- given the
constraints, fears, feelings, and circumstances at the time.
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| No one deserves to be raped. Sexual assault is not about something
that was wrong with the survivor -- or anything she or he did, said, wore,
or thought.
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| Survivors have strength and healing capacity. Although it may take
time and be difficult, every survivor can move through an individual process
and recover from sexual assault. |
And then...
| Tell her the rape was not her fault.
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| Believe what she tells you.
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| Tell her you are glad she is alive.
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| Allow her to make her own decisions.
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| Do not tell her what to do. Offer her options.
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| Explain to her the options of contacting the police, hospital, rape crisis
center, family, and friends. |
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