Strategies
Supportive verbal responses can help guide a survivor on a path toward healing. Here are some strategies and suggested responses to help you help them.
Showing Support for Survivors
Knowing how to respond when someone shares their story with you can feel intimidating and many are unsure how to show support. These examples are a starting point of helpful things to say.
Remain calm
Displaying big emotions, even if they are in support of the survivor, can be overwhelming and cause even more pain and confusion
Avoid judgement
Be cautious about what follow up questions you ask that could make the survivor feel judged or blame themselves for what happened.
Ask permission
Seek consent from the survivor before touching or hugging and before asking for more information about what happened.
