Coach Alexandrea J's Reading Nook

"Knowing how to help a person who's been raped is as important as knowing how to help a choking victim or someone who's dreaming. It's basic first aid."

All of this is great, but what do you do with the information? Well, since this is such a powerful topic and I've been raving about my experience in reading this I want to share some things that the author encourages us to do if we are confronted with someone who tells us they've been raped...

1. Believe Her

2. Listen

3. Reinforce her that no matter what, the rape was not her fault

4. Suggest calling a rape-crisis center

5. Encourage her to preserve evidence

6. If you are her lover, with her approval, use appropriate touching and language to reestablish her feelings of worth. Only do what she feels comfortable and do not be offended if she wishes to not touch/hug, etc. but if she does want that...then be there for her.