You might not know what to say, what to do, or how to respond But your presence—your care, compassion, and willingness to listen—can be a powerful part of their healing process There’s no perfect script for this kind of conversation But there are proven ways to show up for. When someone confides in you about experiencing sexual assault, it can be one of the most vulnerable conversations they’ll ever have. April is sexual assault awareness month, a time to honor survivors, raise awareness, and promote safe, respectful communities
One of the most powerful things you can do is show up for someone who has experienced sexual assault But in moments that feel overwhelming or painful, it can be hard to know what to say or how to say it. Ask how you can help listen without judgment keep supporting while we hope that sexual assault never happens to someone we know, the reality is that every 73 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted in the u.s This is an incredibly sobering statistic It means that we all need to be prepared to respond to disclosure from friends, family, or others. These are practical ways to avoid retraumatizing victims.
For survivors, opening up to a loved one can be incredibly difficult That’s why your response matters. Learn how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault or domestic violence, emphasizing supportive actions that promote healing and strengthen relationships with survivors.
OPEN