Help a Loved One

How You Can Help a Loved One

If a loved one has suffered through sexual assault, they may go through a stir of emotions ranging from fear to shame, guilt or denial. Survivors need someone to be there for them.

Reassure your loved one that he or she is not alone.

A sexual assault survivor may question whether the assault was their fault and feel afraid or embarrassed to report it to authorities. But no matter what the circumstances of your loved one’s situation is, it is not their fault. There is hope and healing for any person – man, woman or child – to heal from the tragedy of sexual abuse. However, your loved one may need some help getting there.

You can lend invaluable support to your loved one, but it’s important to know what options are available for him or her. Help your loved one understand that there are safe places to go with their experience. Gently remind your loved one that it is okay to feel scared, but regardless of the circumstances, what happened to them is not their fault.

It’s Never the Survivor’s Fault

If your loved one was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs — or even if he or she is undocumented – it is still not their fault. If he or she feels guilty or confused about what happened and is hesitant to report it to law enforcement, the Center for Community Solutions can help your loved one receive a partial physical exam for free. The results will be reported to your loved one, whether or not they decide to go to the police.

Jessica Pride Can Help

We hope your loved one takes steps to criminally prosecute their attacker. However, even if they decide not to pursue criminal prosecution, Jessica Pride can help. Jessica has helped people just like your loved one get their power back through the civil justice system. Most are settled privately and confidentially and do not require a confrontation in court.

Contact Us

Jessica represents survivors of sexual assault throughout California and is available to assist in cases out-of-state. No matter where you live, call us with your questions or if you’d simply like someone to talk to. To learn more about how Jessica can help your loved one, please contact us today at ​(619) 415-8822.

Advice for Victims of Sexual Assault
CASES 4 CAUSES PODCAST | S1: EPISODE 2
Transcript

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