Sexual Violence Factsheet

What Can you Do If Someone You Know Has Been Raped or Sexually Assaulted?

• Think of HER FIRST.

• LISTEN to her. Help her to work out what SHE WANTS.

• RESPECT her feelings.

• TRUST what she tells you is true.

• DO NOT PRESSURE HER into doing anything she does not want to do.

• You may be feeling angry, hurt or sad, but at this time SHE'S THE ONE WHO NEEDS SUPPORT most of all.

• DO NOT say things like: "Why didn't you try to get away." "Why didn't you scream?" "You must have led him on." "What can you expect, wearing clothes like that." "I told you not to ….."

• Make yourself familiar with the other information on this website, it may help you to understand her situation.

Contacts:

• CASA House Counselling and Support Line
  Tel: (03) 9635 3610

• Victorian Sexual Assault Crisis Line (after hours)
  Tel:(03) 9349 1766 or 1800 806 292
  TTY: 03 9344 2744

• Victim Referral and Assistance Service
  Tel:(03) 8662 1700 or 1800 819 817

The information in this factsheet was sourced from the original publication:

'Information for women about rape: A practical guide to the issues and assistance available for women and their friends'

© 1994 Healthsharing Women's Health Resource Service

Parts of the book were selected and then updated for this factsheet 2002.

Go to Violence against women introductory page.