Survivors and others in their life may need help dealing with feelings experienced after a sexual assault. Sexual assault is a serious crime and is known to have short- and long-term effects on survivors and those who love and care for them.
Call 1-888-772-7227 to contact a rape crisis center in Pennsylvania near you.
Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers serve all adults and children, provide free and confidential crisis counseling 24 hours a day, services for the survivor’s family, friends, partners or spouses, information and referrals to other services in your area and prevention education programs.
If someone tells you they were a victim of sexual assault, remain calm. Believe them and give them control. Listen and be available for the survivor to express a range of feelings and assure them of your support. Encourage counseling and be patient: healing can take years with advances and setbacks, but healing can happen.
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Your local rape crisis center can provide a legal advocate to help you through the process