I trust that she was a victim and not the other way around
[If a friend told me she had experienced sexual assault], I would usually go for mental support. As a friend, that's the best I can do. At first, I would tell her that I am in complete support of her. I know it's my friend, so I trust that she was a victim and it's not the other way around. She's not a troll or something. Then, I would help her approaching the sexual assault counselling at SMU. [When I was in this situation before, they] gave her [unclear], like, counselling stuff, and booklets, and how to contact them. They asked her if she wants to file a case. And that was the interesting part: they didn't help her decide whether she should file the case, they just give her the options and let her decide.
Recommendations
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Provide long-term support to victims/survivors through university services and/or through referals to external community-based agencies.
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Emphasize the victim's right to decide whether they would like to report the incident after they have disclosed it to the university. Ensure the victim is aware of the formal and informal routes for reporting, including the option of reporting to the police. Clearly communicate any limits to confidentiality.
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When responding to a disclosure or report of sexual violence, highlight that students have the choice to involve support people of their choice, including friends or family members. Offer to reach out to support people if the student prefers. This applies to the victim/survivor or complainant and respondent.