08/18/2026
When someone tells us they've experienced sexual violence, our response matters.
It can be hard to know what to say, especially when we feel like we need to make everything better, but support doesn't require having the perfect words. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is listen, believe, and give the person space to make their own decisions.
Supporting someone also means resisting the urge to investigate, question their choices, or take control of the situation. Their experience belongs to them, and they deserve to have agency in deciding what support looks like.
You don't have to be an expert to be supportive, you can start by listening.
