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When someone experiences sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual misconduct, the effects often extend beyond the individual directly impacted.
Friends, family members, partners, roommates, coworkers, and others may also experience a range of emotions, including concern, anger, sadness, confusion, or helplessness.
One of the most important things you can do is offer support without judgment. Survivors have had control taken away from them, and restoring choice and autonomy can be an important part of healing.
Remember: Survivors respond to violence in many different ways. There is no "right" way to react, heal, or move forward. Surviving violence requires strength, resilience, and courage. By offering compassion, respect, and support, you can play an important role in a survivor's healing journey.
If you have questions about how to support someone or would like guidance, Center for Survivors advocates are available to help. Email general@msu.edu to learn more.
People who experience sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual misconduct may respond in many different ways. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to react, and responses can change over time. Understanding some common trauma responses can help friends, family members, and supporters respond with empathy and compassion.
Emotional Responses
Survivors may experience a range of emotions, including:
Physical Responses
Trauma can affect the body as well as emotions. Survivors may experience:
Cognitive Responses
Trauma can affect how a person thinks, processes information, and experiences the world around them. Survivors may experience:
Behavioral Responses
Survivors may also respond through changes in behavior, such as:
Remember: Every survivor's experience is unique. Trauma responses are normal reactions to difficult or overwhelming experiences. Providing patience, support, and understanding can make a meaningful difference in a survivor's healing process.
MSU Center for Survivors
Friends, family members, partners, roommates, coworkers, and others can play an important role in a survivor’s healing process. The most meaningful support often comes from listening, believing, and respecting the survivor’s choices.
Ways to Offer Support
Remember: You do not need to have all the answers to be supportive. Listening, believing, respecting boundaries, and offering consistent support can make a meaningful difference in a survivor’s healing journey.
Supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual misconduct can be challenging. You may have questions, concerns, or need support for yourself as you navigate how best to help.
The Center for Survivors provides information, resources, and support not only for survivors, but also for friends, family members, partners, roommates, coworkers, and others who want to support someone they care about.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Our advocates are available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you support a survivor in a compassionate and informed way.