Listen actively and let your loved one know that you believe them and that what happened was not their fault.

Be patient. Remember, it will take your loved one some time to deal with the assault. Do not just expect them to ‘get over it’.

Help to empower your loved one. Rape and sexual violence are acts that take away an individual’s power, it is important not to compound this experience by putting pressure on survivors to do things that they do not want to.

Let your loved one know that professional help is available and give them information or resources.

If your loved one is willing to seek medical attention or report the assault, offer to accompany them wherever they need to go, the hospital, police station etc.

Encourage your loved one to seek specialist support, but realise that only they can make the decision to get help.