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.
Respect their privacy
Unless you are a mandatory reporter, recognize keeping the survivor's story private is important.
Recognize distress
All survivors process what happened differently. Actions like crying all the time, talking about wanting to die, being extra tired or using more substances than normal could be signs something is bothering them.
Honor them
Remember, this journey looks different for each person and is a process that should be guided by the survivor.
Ask for help
Regardless of your concern or best intentions, you cannot be the sole source of healing for a survivor. It’s important to recognize your limitations in the situation and to help the survivor connect with MSU’s resources for additional support and information.
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