Giving Support
Supporting Someone Who Has Experienced Sexual Abuse or Sexual Violence
If someone has trusted you enough to share their experience, your response matters more than you may realize.
You do not need to have all the answers. What matters most is your presence and your willingness to listen.
Tips To Keep In Mind...
01.
What You Can Do
Listen Without Interrupting
Allow them to share at their own pace. Avoid rushing them or trying to “fix” the situation immediately.
Believe Them. One of the most powerful things you can say is:
“I believe you.”
Avoid Blame
Do not ask questions like:
- “Why didn’t you say no?”
- “Why were you there?”
- Are you sure it happened?
These can increase shame and silence.
Respect Their Choices
Healing is personal. Allow them to decide:
- Whether to report
- Whether to seek therapy
- What steps to take next
Support them without pressure.
02.
What to Avoid
- Minimizing their experience
- Comparing their story to others
- Forcing forgiveness or spiritual solutions
- Sharing their story without permission
Statements like “just pray about it” or “be strong” may come from a good place, but can feel dismissive of their pain and experience.
03.
Faith and Support
If you share a faith background, remember:
- God’s heart is for healing, and blame has no place in healing
- Survivors should never be made to feel responsible for what happened
- Prayer can be offered gently, not imposed
Sometimes, the most Christ-like response is simply compassion and presence.
04.
Encourage Support
You can gently encourage them to seek help, but do not force it. You might say:
- “You don’t have to go through this alone.”
- “I can help you find support when you’re ready.”
05.
A Gentle Reminder
You cannot ‘heal for them’, but your support can make a meaningful difference.
Your kindness, patience, belief and presence can help create a safe space for their healing to begin.
Volunteer With Us
We welcome individuals who are passionate about supporting survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence with compassion and confidentiality. You can be part of someone’s healing journey.
By volunteering with us, you help:
Create safe spaces for survivors
Support access to free therapy and care
Strengthen a community built on dignity and healing
Your time and presence can make a real difference.
We welcome people who are:
Compassionate and respectful
Willing to learn about trauma-informed care
Committed to confidentiality
Open to serving without judgment
You may support us through:
Administrative assistance
Social Media Content
Outreach and awareness
Support group coordination (trained roles)
Community engagement
Professional services (therapy, healthcare, legal support)
We prioritize the safety and dignity of survivors in everything we do.
All volunteers receive guidance on:
Trauma-informed care
Confidentiality
Respectful communication
We prioritize the safety and dignity of survivors in everything we do.
Submit a volunteer interest form [insert link to volunteer interest form]
Attend a short onboarding process
Begin supporting in a role that fits your skills and availability
Together, we can create a world where survivors are supported and given the space to heal.
Would you like to volunteer with us?
Join a dynamic team of passionate vcolunteers offering your skills, time and professional services