Supporting someone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape can be daunting – you might be worried that you say something wrong, but working through your own feelings is the best way to support them.
On this page you will find information on:
Supporting them to access support
Accompanying them to an appointment
Speaking with your loved one
- Let them know that you believe them.
- Avoid asking questions about the assault – they may not want to tell you everything that happened.
- Ask them how you can support them.
- If they are open to suggestions, suggest that you can explore support options together.
- Respect their decision as to whether or not they wish to report the assault to the police.
Support them to access support
You can support your loved one to access support by making yourself aware of the options available.
At Archway Glasgow the support we can offer people depends on how long ago the assault happened. More information on this can be found on our Support page, but we are happy to explain all of this on the phone when you call us.
We are available 24/7 on 0141 211 8175
We are one service supporting both young people and adults, but offer tailored information for each group so that everyone can access the best guidance.
Find out how we can help in our Support section:
Can I accompany them to their appointment?
Yes, you can come with them if this is what they prefer. We will ask you to wait in the waiting area during any forensic examinations.
We will discuss this with you beforehand so you both know what to expect on the day.
Looking after yourself
Supporting someone who has been sexually assaulted can be difficult. It is important that you also take care of yourself. Organisations that support victims also offer support for friends and family of the victim too.