Skip to main content
Loyola University Maryland
Counseling Center
Loyola.edu
Home
Home
About
Confidentiality
Staff
Events
Services
Students
Concerns We Address
What To Expect
Scope of Services
For Graduate Students
For Newly Admitted Students
For Student-Athletes
For Students Taking Online Academic Programs
Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation Resources
Mental Health Apps
Workshops & Support Groups
Parents & Guardians
For Parents of Newly Admitted Students
Coping Strategies for Parents & Guardians
Counseling for Your Student
Helping from a Distance
Resources for Coping with Loss/Illness
COVID-19 Parent Support
Faculty & Campus Partners
Outreach & Consultation
Kognito
REACT Online
Social Justice Work
Anti-racism & White Accountability
Bias Reporting
Campus Partnerships and Outreach
Community Connections
Identity Affirming Services
Professional Development
Racial Injustice & Violence
Secondary Trauma & Our Loyola Community
Social Justice Committee
Social Media
Public Health Initiatives
COVID-19 Resources & Support
Emotional Wellness
Parent Resources for Supporting Students
Faculty Resources for Supporting Students (PDF)
Remote Counseling Services
Additional COVID-19 Support Resources
Healthy and Affirming Relationships
Illness, Loss, & Grief
Green Bandana Brigade
Togetherall
Previous Campaigns
Belongingness
Body Pride
Gender Awareness, Inclusivity, and Health
Healthy and Affirming Relationships
How To Help a Friend
Resilience
Stress Management
Suicide Prevention
"The Retreat" Newsletter
Training Programs
Externship Program
Master's in Counseling/Mental Health Counseling/Counseling Psychology Internship
Social Work Internship
Emergency Support
Home
Services
For Students
Concerns
Sexual Assault
Helping a Survivor of Sexual Assault
Helping a Survivor of Sexual Assault
Do’s
Do believe the survivor that she/he was raped. People rarely lie about rape or sexual assault.
Do stay with the survivor.
Do provide support without taking over. Part of recovery is taking back control of one's life.
Do listen to the survivor and concentrate on understanding her/his feelings. Be Patient. Recovery from sexual assault can be slow. Let the person proceed at their own pace.
Do communicate to the survivor that you understand her/his feelings.
Do ask how you can help.
Do share any resources and information you have. Provide information about common reactions to sexual assault to help normalize their experience. [Note: There is no “right” way to react – reactions range from rage, sobbing, and anxiety, to numbness and shock.]
Do remind the survivor that rape is the perpetrator's fault, not the victim's. It may be helpful to point out what she/he did to survive.
Do gently suggest counseling.
Do take care of yourself. Helping someone who has been sexually assaulted is emotionally draining. You may also want to talk with a counselor about your own feelings, including feelings of helplessness, anger, and sadness."
Don’ts
Don't attempt to be the "counselor" for the survivor. Refer her/him to the Counseling Center.
Don't ask questions or make statements that imply that the rape was the survivor's fault, such as "Why didn't you scream?" or "Why did you go to his room?" or Wow, you were really wasted."
Don’t judge. Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault – remember sexual assault does not discriminate.
Don't allow your own emotional feelings about the rape to interfere with your interactions with the survivor. This is very difficult, but the key is to be aware of your feelings. It is not helpful to make statements such as, "If I were you, I would kill the creep."
Don’t touch or hug the survivor unless she/he asks for you to provide comfort in that way.
Don't tell other students what the survivor tells you. It is important to respect her/his privacy.
Don't tell the survivor what to do -- "You have to file charges against them.”
Services
Students
Concerns We Address
What To Expect
Scope of Services
For Graduate Students
For Newly Admitted Students
For Student-Athletes
For Students Taking Online Academic Programs
Relaxation and Mindfulness Meditation Resources
Mental Health Apps
Workshops & Support Groups
Parents & Guardians
For Parents of Newly Admitted Students
Coping Strategies for Parents & Guardians
Counseling for Your Student
Helping from a Distance
Resources for Coping with Loss/Illness
COVID-19 Parent Support
Faculty & Campus Partners
Outreach & Consultation
Kognito
REACT Online
Togetherall
Kognito