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rei · 11-02-2009, 07:14 PM

Rose, i have experience with sexual assault survivors.
loved ones often want to do something to help, but there is probably not a magic thing you can say. be there for her, hold the space for her to express any emotions that come up. being there for her is the best thing you can do.

i know in the U.S. there are Rape Crisis Centers in each state where people can be seen by someone trained in this area, but i don't know how other countries are set up.

also watch for PTSD symptoms as this is a traumatic experience.

if you have any specific questions let me know. and hey, a lot of people try to act like nothing traumatic happened to their loved one, so at least you aren't ignoring this.

p.s. there is no 'normal' way to respond to rape. there's not a formula, there are stages but not everyone passes through them in the same order or at all. so while you may prefer knowing what to expect, hopefully it will help to know there is nothing standard to expect.

11-02-2009, 07:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
rei Family Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: earth, everywhere and nowhere Posts: 9,713	Rose, i have experience with sexual assault survivors. loved ones often want to do something to help, but there is probably not a magic thing you can say. be there for her, hold the space for her to express any emotions that come up. being there for her is the best thing you can do. i know in the U.S. there are Rape Crisis Centers in each state where people can be seen by someone trained in this area, but i don't know how other countries are set up. also watch for PTSD symptoms as this is a traumatic experience. if you have any specific questions let me know. and hey, a lot of people try to act like nothing traumatic happened to their loved one, so at least you aren't ignoring this. p.s. there is no 'normal' way to respond to rape. there's not a formula, there are stages but not everyone passes through them in the same order or at all. so while you may prefer knowing what to expect, hopefully it will help to know there is nothing standard to expect. Last edited by rei; 11-02-2009 at 07:18 PM.