Ask an Advocate is a new collaboration project between Planned Parenthood and The Apollos. Anonymous ballot boxes have been placed in Freer and Picket. Students can submit stories, questions, concerns, and criticisms about consent, sexual violence, Title IX, and sexuality. Every other week, your anonymous questions will be answered here.
Question: How do I respond to a friend who’s been sexually assaulted?
A friend is usually the first person most people confide in after experiencing sexual violence. This can be shocking and hugely overwhelming. Don’t worry though. Take a breath, tell them you believe them, thank them for confiding in you, ask them how you can help, and then get them some resources. Try not to minimize the assault, make excuses for the perpetrator, or tell your friend what to do. And remember, if you get too nervous, you can always just refer them to the local Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-877-212-2323.
Deirdre Loftus is a Sexual Assault Prevention Educator for Planned Parenthood serving Paul Smith’s. She provides education, advocacy, and awareness and is available to discuss consent and sexual violence with anyone who is interested or has questions.