Spokane Regional Health Dist. Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or sexual attention committed by force, threats, bribes, manipulation, pressure, tricks or violence. It includes rape and attempted rape, child molestation, incest, and sexual harassment. The devastating effects are shared by victims and those who love them. Sexual assault creates a crisis for loved ones as well as for victims.
Recovery can take a long time and depends on many factors.
Believe your friend's account of the assault. Encourage your friend to get medical attention as soon as possible. Respect your friend's decision to report or not to report the assault to police. There are tremendous personal sacrifices involved in prosecuting a sexual assailant and your friend may not feel able to make them. Be patient and listen to your friend.