Listen—do not judge.
It is not your place to play prosecutor and prove her story. Accept her version of the facts and be supportive.

Offer shelter.
If it is at all possible, stay at her place or let her spend at least one night at your place. This is not the time for her to be alone.

Give comfort.
She has been badly treated. She needs to be nurtured.

Let her know that she is not to blame.
This is crucial. Many rape victims blame themselves. She needs to be reassured that the rapist is to blame, she is not.

Encourage Action—
For example, she canc all a hotline, go to the hospital, and/or call the police.

Do not be overly protective.
She needs to make her own decisions and be in control of her life and this is not possible if you do everything for her.

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*Information provided by the Greater New Haven Sexual Assault Crisis Services

Greater New Haven Sexual Assault Crisis Services 24-Hour-Hotline: 203-624-2273 Non-emergencies: 203-789-1425 Statewide Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline: 1-888-999-5545 En Espanol Hotline: 1-888-568-8332 TTY Services Available for the Deaf & Hearing Impaired at 1-800-842-9710 Campus Resources Campus Police: 911 Counseling Services: 392-5475 Women's Center: 392-6946