Unfortunately, sexual assault is a serious problem. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports that nearly one in five women nationwide has been the victim of a sexual assault. A significant number of men have also endured sexual violence. For those trying to provide support for a victimized loved one, it is crucial to be sensitive to their needs. Here, our civil sexual assault lawyers provide a resource guide that you can use to help a friend or family member who has been the victim of abuse.
Believe Them and Express Care and Concern
When someone confides in you about a sexual assault, the most immediate response they need is belief. It is not the time for an interrogation. Ensure that they get the support—including any medical care—that they need. Your initial validation that their trauma and their voice matters can be a crucial step in their journey towards healing. Remember, your role is not to solve every problem; it is to stand with them as they navigate this challenging ordeal.
Be Willing to Listen, but Do Not Apply Undue Pressure
Listening is a powerful form of support. Encourage your friend or loved one to share their thoughts and feelings, but be mindful of their pace and emotional state. It is important not to pressure them into divulging more than they are comfortable with. Create a safe space for them to speak, letting them lead the conversation.
Create an Overall Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive environment goes beyond conversations. It includes being consistently available and flexible with your support. Consider practical ways you can help, like accompanying them to appointments, helping with daily tasks, or simply being there when they need company. Respect their need for space or company and adjust your level of involvement as requested.
Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help (Survivors Group, Mental Health Counselor, etc.)
Recovery from sexual assault can be complex and deeply personal. Encourage your friend or loved one to seek professional help if they haven’t already. Offer to help them research and connect with local support groups for survivors, or find a mental health professional experienced in dealing with trauma. Emphasize that there is absolutely no shame in seeking help. Professional support can provide them with the tools and strategies they need to heal and move forward.
Connect Them With the Right Legal Advocate to Fight for Justice
If your friend or loved one decides to take legal action, connecting them with a competent and compassionate legal advocate can make a big difference in the fight for justice. Sexual assault can be both a criminal and civil matter. Your loved one has the right to hold the perpetrator—and any other negligent party—liable for the abuse. A skilled attorney can guide them through the legal process, ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the justice they deserve.
Schedule a Free, Strictly Confidential Consultation With Our Civil Sexual Assault Lawyer
At Noakes Law Group, we are committed to fighting for justice, accountability, and financial support for the victims of sexual assault. Call us now or contact us online for a free, completely confidential initial consultation. From our law office in Prospect and our law office in Indianapolis, our attorneys handle civil sexual assault cases in Kentucky and Indiana. We are here to provide the support and legal representation you need during this difficult time.