Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is surrounded by many myths and misconceptions. These myths have a devastating effect on our society. They shift responsibility for the rape and blame the victim, rather than the rapist. As a result, the majority of rape victims experience guilt and often face blame by friends and family. Prosecutions are hindered, resulting in a dismal 2% conviction rate for rapists. And we are left more vulnerable to attack, because we don't understand the true nature of what causes rape and sexual assault.

In order to help survivors of rape recover from the trauma, and to help prevent sexual assault and keep our communities safe, it is important to know the myths and learn the facts about rape.

What to do if a friend or family members is a victim of sexual assault

Rape is devastating to the victim, but it can be traumatic for loved ones of the victim as well. You will see the victim go through many different emotions, and it may be difficult to know how to support her/him or to understand what she/he is going through. But as a loved one of the victim, you will also experience a range of emotions too. It will be important for you to get support for yourself as you deal with the rape of your loved one.

As the loved one of a survivor, it will be important for you to get help and support too.

The following is some information that may help to explain how you can best support the victim and address your own needs and emotions.

You can help the survivor by:

Believing the survivor

Understanding the variety of feelings that are common for rape survivors, from fear, guilt, and shame, to anger, depression, and denial (see information about Rape Trauma Syndrome)

Understanding that every survivor of sexual assault reacts differently, and has different needs

Presenting choices and alternatives so the survivor can make her/his own choice in dealing with the rape

Accepting the survivor's decisions in dealing with the rape

Helping the survivor find support through loved ones, your local rape crisis center, or a counselor

Rape is NEVER the victim's fault.

You can help yourself by:

Not blaming yourself for what has happened to the survivor

Allowing yourself to experience a range of emotions. You may feel a variety of things, including guilt, anger, concern, disbelief, and depression.

Not taking it personally when the survivor directs negative feelings towards you

Knowing your limits, and knowing that you may need support as you deal with the rape of your loved one

Talking to your local rape crisis center, a counselor, or a trusted friend or family member to get support. (Find a Rape Crisis Center)

You can't take away the survivor's pain, but you can help make the pain easier to handle.