How to Help a Friend

It is extremely important to stay calm and not get angry, as weird as it sounds. Your friend needs someone to be there for them not react violently. Also, you cannot force anyone to tell or see anyone about a sexual assault but it is very important to encouage them to follow appropriate steps and be supportive. Here are some helpful tips that may help if you know someone that has been sexually assaulted.

1. Let them know that you are there.

2. Believe them.

3. Let them know you care.

4. Reinforce that they are not to blame.

5. Let them be in control of who knows about the sexual assault.

6. Ask them if there is anything you can do, but you don't have to solve everything.

7. Take care of yourself.

   *If you are gathering this information for a group presentation, please contact PHE. We offer FREE programs, please go to our RA and RSO program request page. We try to make it as easy as possible on the group requesting and all PHEs are trained in the above subject matter.

   *If you need any additional information, please email healthed@svsu.edu or call 989.964.4658. 

   

   SVSU is pleased to provide links to other websites for additional information and education relating to health. SVSU has no control over the content of these websites and does not intend these links to be referrals or endorsements of the linked entities. Contact SVSU's Student Counseling Center at 989.964.7078 or another licensed professional for diagnosis and treatment of any condition or call 911 for emergencies.