Then, help the survivor find a Richmond sexual abuse and assault attorney nearby that can assist with bringing a claim against the perpetrator.Support group meets weekly on Sundays from 4-5 PM, beginning mid Feb 2023 If your friend appears suicidal, tell him or her to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-TALK immediately, day or night. The number for the National Sexual Assault Hotline is (800) 656-HOPE. Connect your friend with sexual abuse helplines if you feel you are out of your depths in offering support. Walk your friend or loved one through the steps of reporting sexual abuse to authorities, along with reasons for why doing so is important. Once the survivor has come forward about sexual abuse, help him or her get professional assistance. Let Us Be The Heavy Hitters® For Your Case Speak To An Attorney Now Take Action Soothing music, tea, and blankets can help create a secure environment. Warn him or her ahead of time that you wish to talk about it, then arrange a meeting where the survivor feels comfortable and prepared. Try not to spring the subject on the survivor. Avoid talking about sexual assault in public places unless the survivor chooses to bring it up. Find a quiet, private space with no third-party listeners. Providing a comfortable and safe environment in which to talk to a survivor could help him or her relax and open up with greater peace of mind. It is important for a sexual abuse survivor to feel safe and secure while coming forward with an abuse allegation. Injury Lawyers 80 Provide a Secure Environment Watch carefully how the survivor is reacting to his or her news and try to match your reaction accordingly. Do not overreact, either, or turn the issue into a catastrophe if the survivor appears calm. Do not shrug off a confession of sexual abuse or minimize the assault. Try not to overreact or underreact to the situation. Sexual abuse prevention organizations recommend listeners react to how the survivor is reacting – not to how the listener thinks he or she should be reacting. Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 80 React Appropriately Simply play the role of listener, believer, and supporter. Do not ask any ‘why’ questions or try to investigate the incident. Tell the person you believe him or her out loud and acknowledge that it took a lot of strength to come forward. If you discover the sexual abuse of a friend or family member, make it known that you believe his or her story. This can make it even more difficult for the person to come forward about sexual abuse. Perpetrators can use verbal or emotional abuse to make the victim feel small, useless or insignificant. Millions of sexual abuse sufferers stay quiet about their situations for fear of not being believed. Do not push a survivor to talk about something if he or she does not want to. Keep shame, guilt or blame out of the conversation. Let the individual know you are here for him or her, that you sympathize with the situation and that the survivor is not alone. Choose your phrases wisely to demonstrate active listening and support. ![]() If a survivor opens up to you, be the person that allows him or her to talk. Survivors are too often silenced by the perpetrator, legal system, workplace, and institutions. The simple act of listening to a survivor’s story and experiences could be helpful for the individual’s mental and emotional wellbeing. Demonstrate your willingness to stand up for survivors by being a source of support. If someone tells you about sexual abuse, allow his or her voice to be heard. Providing immediate assistance in the form of support, guidance and/or action could make all the difference. It takes a great deal of courage to come forward about sexual abuse and doing so could put the survivor’s wellbeing in jeopardy. It is extremely important to know how to help if a sexual abuse survivor confides in you. Home » Frequently Asked Questions » How to Help a Sexual Abuse Survivor
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