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13 steps you can take to support survivors, inform communities, and transform society:
1) Be an ally- Offer support. 2) Be respectful- It is not your story to share. If there is a threat of further violence, or if you believe a survivor is in danger of harming themselves, seek services to protect and support the survivor and other potential victims. 3) Listen & Believe- Be present, without judgment. 4) Be patient- The process of surviving, disclosing, reporting, and healing is long and looks different for everyone. Allow survivors to take their pace, use their language, and express themselves organically. 5) Confront stigma- discard preconceived notions of what a survivor does, says, and experiences following an assault. 6) Challenge social discourse- interrupt and reframe rape-supporting dialogues to messages that acknowledge the serious nature of sexual violence and allow for societal and personal healing. 7) Empower- Sexual assault is a crime that takes away an individual’s power, it is important not to compound this experience with additional pressure to take action, or by questioning their actions. 8) Don't be afraid to "mess up"- Many people who want to offer support remain frozen because they don’t want to "make things worse." It’s okay not to know what to do. Your friend needs to know you will be present, even if you need to be in the brokenness with them. Don’t be afraid to admit that you are scared too, but help them to feel they are not alone. 10) Seek knowledge- Learn the facts and pass them on! 11) Volunteer- Offer your time, resources, and efforts at local crisis centers such as the Portland Women’s Crisis Line (PWCL.org) or the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARCoregon.org). 12) Promote- Support legislative efforts promoting sexual violence prevention, survivors' rights, and perpetrator sentencing. 13) Understand- Sexual violence feeds off other forms of prejudice. No one if free when others are oppressed. |
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