For crisis intervention or mental distress: Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line:
1-888-429-8167

For Confidential support to post-secondary students in Nova Scotia:
Good2Talk: 1-833-292-3698
or text GOOD2TALKNS to 686868

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program for the Halifax area:
902-425-0122

Get toll-free numbers for other Nova Scotia regions

 

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Indian Female

Provide the mental support and be physically present

According to me, [if a friend experiences sexual assault, you should provide] the mental support, and be physically present [with] him or her, [and] let them know that, yes, we are with you, and that we are going to listen to you. whatever has happened, it has happened. But we are going to listen to you and uh, yes. [...]

Recommendations

  • Use open-ended questions and collaborative communication when supporting a victim/survivor.

  • Use approaches that are trauma informed and survivor-centred.

  • Present learning materials in a way that is helpful to a friend supporting a victim/survivor.