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What to Do if You're Raped

What to Do to Reduce the Risk of a Sexual Assault

What to Do If a Friend Is Raped

A Rape Victim's Rights

What to Do If a Friend Is Raped

Though we tend to think of only females being raped, males are raped, too. Just because this list primarily refers to your friend as "her" doesn't mean the same advice can't apply to males.

For a person to go to anyone and report a rape is a tremendous ordeal. Often, the victim's character and judgment are the first things to be questioned. Don't let this fear become a reality!

Believe your friend. People rarely lie about rape. Whatever the circumstances, no one asks to be raped. Let your friend know he or she is not to blame.

Encourage your friend to call the police, seek medical treatment, and/or seek services from a rape crisis center.

Be supportive and nonjudgmental. Don't ask why it happened, and don't assume that not talking about it will make it go away.

Regardless of whether your friend intends to prosecute, a medical evaluation is a necessity. Impress upon her the importance of getting medical help immediately, and assure her she does not have to be alone through this process.

Make sure your friend knows what resources are available and allow her to choose what to do. This can be helpful in regaining a sense of control.

Do not pressure your friend into making decisions or doing things she may not be ready to do. Respect whatever choices she makes.

Respect confidentiality. Let your friend decide whom she will tell about the rape.

Don't expect your friend to "get over it." Rape is a traumatic experience from which a person does not recover in a hurry. Recovery is a process, not an event. Allow your friend as much time as she needs.

Encourage supportive counseling.

Let your friend know it's not her fault.

Don't be a vigilante.

It may be helpful for you to speak with a rape crisis counselor as well. You will be able to voice your own anger and learn ways to support your friend. To find the rape crisis counseling center in your area, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit their website at www.rainn.org.