1. Believe him or her!  The greatest fear of rape survivors is that they will not be believe or that their experience will be minimized as not important.
2. Listen!  Let him or her talk.  Find a quiet place.  Be patient
3. Comfort him or her
4. Reinforce that the rape was not his or her fault.  Avoid questions that seem to blame the survivor’s actions.
5. Provide protection.  Give the survivor a secure place to sleep an offer companionship once he/she returns to his/her living quarters.
6. Suggest calling a professionally trained rape crisis counselor or advocate. 
7. Encourage him/her to preserve evidence.  Caution him/her not to shower, eat, wash clothes or brush teeth.
8. Get him or her medical assistance.
9. Help him/her organize their thoughts, but let the survivor make his/her own decisions about how to proceed.  The survivor needs to regain the feeling of control.  Allow him/her to do that.
10. Help him or her get psychological and legal help.
11. Be available.  Give you time and attention each time you are sought out.

Helping Others Heal

• Believe him/her when he tells you about the abuse, even when you know the trusted alleged abuser.
• Respect the courage that it took for him/her to disclose the information about his sexual assault experience
• Help him/her get medical attention.  Going to the emergency room within 48 hours of the assault will enable the hospital staff to collect physical evidence.  It is also imperative that he be tested for sexually transmitted diseases and injuries caused by a sexual assault.
• Encourage him/her to find a counselor, treatment group, and/or support group.  Professional help is an essential part of any recovery program.
• Report suspected child abuse.  Sexual abuse is a crime
• Help him/her explore his options for reporting the assault to law enforcement.  It is important to let him/her make his own decisions about reporting.
• Seek information ~ There are pamphlets, books and articles available on this subject.  Get suggestions from RCASA or your local library.