Support Survivors
For people who have experienced sexual assault, every day can present itself with new challenges. Because of the continuing stigma and silence around assault victims, people may feel isolated and alone.
Here's a few ways you can help:
- Show your support for survivors by listening and believing people when they say that they have experienced assault. The number of fictional assault cases is minuscule in comparison to the amount of genuine victims who go unheard and ignored.
- Challenge behaviour that contributes to rape culture, including microaggressions, rape jokes, and victim blaming.
- Intervene if you see someone who may be being assaulted or harassed. Often just starting a conversation with a vulnerable person can be enough to stop the perpetrator in their tracks.
NB remember that your own safety is paramount so only intervene if you can do so in a safe way. When in doubt, call the police or speak to a member of security.
- Don’t pressure people to open up about their experiences. If someone wants to tell you about it then they will but pressuring them to tell you, even if your intentions are good, can be traumatic. If you know or suspect that someone you are close to has been assaulted, letting them know that you are always available for support is often enough to help someone feel less alone.
- Don’t speak over the voices of survivors. Every person contributing towards the movement to end sexual violence is making a huge difference to the lives of survivors, but it’s important to remember that it is just as vital to empower victims to make sure their voices are heard.