When you find out that your Partner has been sexually assaulted, that moment can be very devastating.You and the victim of the sexual assault may feel anger, shame, and self-denial.It can be a very trying moment, but all the same, you need to encourage your partner to cope with the trauma.Provide the victim with love, support, and reassurance.
Here are five ways a partner can support a sexual assault Survivor.This partner may be a boyfriend or a husband if they are married.
1.Comfort your Partner and offer emotional Support
The victim may be ashamed of what happened to them, and they may find it difficult to share the details of what happened to them.Give your them enough time and emotional support to help them heal faster.Show them a lot of love and always comfort them as this will give them strength to move on.
2.Acknowledging their Strength
Make sure you encourage the victim by acknowledging their strength and encourage them to share their experiences.It will help them heal faster.Always offer the victim affirming statements that will help him/her have a positive change.
3.Empower the Survivors
Victims will have a feeling that they lack control over what happens to them.Empower them to ensure that they now feel they have regained control over their lives again.Let them know that they can make choices of what happens on their bodies.
4.Ensure the Victim has enough Resources
Let the victim know that there are enough resources to help them in their healing process.These resources include professional counseling to help them cope with the trauma.There are also centers that provide counseling to the survivors, and you can take your partner to one of the centers.
5.Always Seek Medical Care for the Victim
In case the sexual assault involved physical contact ensure your partner undergoes full medical examination.It will screen for any infections and it will also be useful if you want to press charges against the perpetrators.