1. Listen and believe their experience. 
  2. Communicate they are not responsible for the assault. Avoid blame for actions before AND responses after the assault.  Each person will react to trauma responses differently. 
  3. Offer support, patience, and compassion.  Each person’s healing journey will be different in time and ability to seek help.  There is no “right” way to move beyond a trauma.
  4. Suggest community-based supportive services, when victim is ready and/or able to physically and emotionally participate in them.  Make yourself available to accompany, if asked.