How to Offer Meaningful Support

Find actionable advice and resources on how to effectively support survivors of sexual violence, whether you are a friend, family member, or advocate.

Thank Them for Telling You

When a survivor of sexual violence shares their story with you, it is a significant and courageous step. Acknowledge their bravery and thank them for trusting you. This simple act of gratitude can help the survivor feel validated and supported. It reinforces that they are believed and that their experience matters. Expressing appreciation also lays the foundation for a supportive and open dialogue moving forward.

Ask How You Can Help

Every survivor’s needs are unique, so it’s important to ask them directly how you can assist. They might need practical support, such as help finding a therapist or navigating the legal system, or emotional support, like having someone to talk to. By asking how you can help, you show respect for their autonomy and willingness to provide the specific support they need. This approach ensures that your assistance is meaningful and tailored to their situation.

sexual assault awareness ribbon
listening without judgement

Listen Without Judgment

Providing a safe space for a survivor to share their feelings and experiences without fear of criticism or disbelief is crucial. Listening without judgment means accepting their account as they tell it and refraining from offering unsolicited advice or opinions. This kind of empathetic listening validates the survivor’s emotions and helps them feel understood and supported. It can significantly aid in their healing process by reinforcing their sense of agency and worth.

listening without judgement

Keep Supporting

Support for a survivor of sexual violence should be ongoing. Recovery is a long-term process, and consistent support can make a substantial difference. Check in regularly, offer continued encouragement, and be patient with their healing journey. Show that you are committed to being there for them in the long run, not just immediately after they disclose their experience. Continuous support helps build a reliable network around the survivor, providing stability and reassurance as they navigate their recovery.

victim assistance and advocacy heart in hand
Consent can change at anytime. Even if you have been intimate before, have been flirtatious prior, you decide when you want to be intimate and do not want to be. Coercion, threats, intimidation and acts of force to get an individual to be intimate are illegal and forms of abuse and harassment. At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. #SurvivorSupport  #womensrights #womensempowerment #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #sexualassault #seekjustice #today #freeconsultation #foryoupage #fyp
At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. 💪  #SurvivorSupport #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #seekjustice #today #freeconsultation #abusesurvivor #abuseawareness #foryou
Consent can change at anytime. Even if married, have been intimate before, have been flirtatious prior, you decide when you want to be intimate and do not want to be. Coercion, threats, intimidation and acts of force to get an individual to be intimate are illegal and forms of abuse and harassment. At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. #SurvivorSupport #marriageadvice #relationships #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #sexualassault #seekjustice #today #freeconsultation #foryoupage #fyp
Many children do not report abuse immediately, and some may never disclose it at all due to fear of not being believed, shame, confusion, or threats from the abuser. At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. #SurvivorSupport #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #sexualassault #seekjustice #today #freeconsultation #foryoupage #fyp
At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. 💪  #SurvivorSupport #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #seekjustice #freeconsultation #today #sexualassault
At 1-800-WE-SURVIVED, we believe in the strength and resilience of survivors. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or harassment, we are here to provide compassionate support and powerful legal resources. Reach out to us for a free consultation and let us help you seek justice. Call 1-800-937-8784 or visit www.1800wesurvived.com today. Together, we can make a difference. 💪  #SurvivorSupport #JusticeForSurvivors #Empowerment #WeBelieveYou #1800WeSurvived #seekjustice #freeconsultation #today #fyp #fypage
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