What To Say To A Sexual Assault Survivor

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1. Thank you for sharing your story with me.

2. I believe you.

3. It is not your fault.

4. You have resources, and it is your choice to use them.

The DO NOTs of Being an Ally to Survivors

1. Pressure or make them report.

2. Tell someone to confront their perp (or do it yourself without permission).

3. Share their story with others—EVEN if out of concern.

4. Pass judgement on what happened or how they are handling it.

5. Make it about you.

It’s THIS easy to be supportive.

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by M. Colleen. You can follow their journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

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‘If I refused his advances, I’d get in trouble. I had to keep my head down, my mouth shut. I couldn’t ‘ruin’ her image of the perfect family. I paid my dues every night for 6 years.’ Sexual assault survivor breaks silence after 2 decades

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‘DAD! STOOOOPPPP!’ I screamed. I could no longer rationalize his strange and uncomfortable behavior.’: Sexual assault survivor bravely speaks up after 20 years, urges ‘you are not your story’

‘Come on, why are you doing this?’ I wasn’t intoxicated, but I just couldn’t fight it. I was paralyzed from shock.’: Sexual assault survivor finally accepts mental illnesses in wake of trauma, no longer ‘ashamed’

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