Arizona Sexual Assault Network
501 (C) 3 nonprofit operating in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.
1611 E. Warner Rd. Suite 4 Tempe, AZ 85284
Phone: 480-831-1986 Fax: 480-755-6030
501 (C) 3 nonprofit operating in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.
1611 E. Warner Rd. Suite 4 Tempe, AZ 85284
Phone: 480-
All About AzSAN
Meet the AzSAN Team
AzSAN Strategy
AzSAN News
Community Events
Statewide Services
Prevention
Myths & Facts
Legislation & Laws
Meet the AzSAN Team
AzSAN Strategy
AzSAN News
Community Events
Statewide Services
Prevention
Myths & Facts
Legislation & Laws
Need to speak to someone right now? Call the RAINN Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE
ARIZONA SEXUAL ASSAULT NETWORK
Q&A’s
I’ve been assaulted what do I do?
How can I help someone who has been assaulted?
What feelings are associated with healing?
Why would someone commit sexual assault?
What is sexual offense by law in Arizona?
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
EDUCATION
MORE INFORMATION
Inspire someone to seek help by
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experience surviving sexual assault.
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“Reducing the Threat of Sexual Violence”
Questions & Answers
How do I help someone who has been assaulted?
How do I help someone who has been assaulted?
Here are things to keep in mind if someone you know comes forward and tells you about their experience with sexual assault.
Be a good listener The first step in recovery is to tell someone what happened. It takes a lot of courage to speak about sexual assault and sometimes people hold the secret for many years. In most cases, the person who is telling you has been threatened by the perpetrator. Do not ask for details of the assault and control your own emotions of anger as to not make any judgements about the situation. It is normal for you to feel enraged and want to protect your loved one, however the focus should remain on their emotions, not yours.
The best thing you can do is just listen. Just listening to what the person has to say will help them release bottled up emotions. Releasing emotions will help prevent them from growing into other psychological pains that may cause an eating disorder, self-mutilation, depression or even a suicide attempt. Protect their confidentiality and do not discuss what they tell you to anyone besides the authorities.
Always believe the person Even if the perpetrator is said to be someone you know, it is extremely important to let the person telling you about the assault know that you believe them. One way the perpetrator may try to keep them silent is to tell them that no one will believe them. Show them with empathy that you do believe them and concentrate on how to help them by telling them it is not their fault it happened.
Encourage them to get medical attention Even if there is no visible physical injury there could be internal injuries. Precautionary steps may be needed to prevent the transmission of S.T.I’s (sexually transmitted infections). Seeking medical attention by a trained S.A.N.E (sexual assault nurse examiner) as quickly as possible after the assault occurs will help gather any evidence needed to prosecute the perpetrator. Sexual assault is a violation of one’s whole being and the scars it leaves are also emotional and mental. Seeking medical assistance and counseling will help the process of healing to begin.
Encourage reporting the crime Seeking justice is essential to the healing process and reporting the crime can help prevent it from happening to someone else. Gently encourage the report of the crime, however respect his/her decision if they choose not to report.
Be a good listener The first step in recovery is to tell someone what happened. It takes a lot of courage to speak about sexual assault and sometimes people hold the secret for many years. In most cases, the person who is telling you has been threatened by the perpetrator. Do not ask for details of the assault and control your own emotions of anger as to not make any judgements about the situation. It is normal for you to feel enraged and want to protect your loved one, however the focus should remain on their emotions, not yours.
The best thing you can do is just listen. Just listening to what the person has to say will help them release bottled up emotions. Releasing emotions will help prevent them from growing into other psychological pains that may cause an eating disorder, self-
Always believe the person Even if the perpetrator is said to be someone you know, it is extremely important to let the person telling you about the assault know that you believe them. One way the perpetrator may try to keep them silent is to tell them that no one will believe them. Show them with empathy that you do believe them and concentrate on how to help them by telling them it is not their fault it happened.
Encourage them to get medical attention Even if there is no visible physical injury there could be internal injuries. Precautionary steps may be needed to prevent the transmission of S.T.I’s (sexually transmitted infections). Seeking medical attention by a trained S.A.N.E (sexual assault nurse examiner) as quickly as possible after the assault occurs will help gather any evidence needed to prosecute the perpetrator. Sexual assault is a violation of one’s whole being and the scars it leaves are also emotional and mental. Seeking medical assistance and counseling will help the process of healing to begin.
Encourage reporting the crime Seeking justice is essential to the healing process and reporting the crime can help prevent it from happening to someone else. Gently encourage the report of the crime, however respect his/her decision if they choose not to report.
References: Supporting a Loved One, PAVE: Promoting Awareness Victim
Empowerment, Helping a Friend Who Has Been Sexually Assaulted, Brown University Health Education and If You Have Been Raped, Pandora’s Project