The ideas below are suggestions to help you if someone you know has been hurt. Most importantly, be reassuring, supportive, and caring towards the victim. How to respond Remain calm. Expressing your anger or distress will not help the survivor recover. Let the survivor know you care, are concerned, and are there to help.
Recovery can take a long time.
To touch or not Some sexual assault survivors do not wish to be touched, especially immediately after the rape. Others want physical contact. The only way to know how a survivors feels is to ask. If the survivor refuses your touch, realize that it is neither a personal rejection nor a sign that you are not needed. After the assault, many survivors do not want to be involved sexually.