Helping someone

Journalist and sexual assault survivor Charlene Smith says, 'Some of the people who you love the most, who care for you the most or are supposed to, are not going to be there for you. Some of the people who are your best friends are not going to be there for you and do you know what? Leave them be. Perhaps they are unable to help you. Don’t try and change them, leave them be. After rape or violent trauma you need to bring positive people and elements into your life. Discard the negative and I mean discard the negative. Don’t worry about them, just leave them.'

Loving and caring about someone who is sexually assaulted does not automatically mean you know HOW you can help. Nor should you be expected to help someone without any support yourself. You may experience trauma in the process of helping someone you love. Very often, family members and close friends need counselling, support and, at the very least, guidance themselves when they are trying to help others.

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