If a woman chooses to tell you that she has been raped, then she is
investing a lot of trust in you. Your responses are important.
The attitudes and responses of the people closest to a woman who has
been raped have the potential either to extend the crisis or to help
her deal with it. Above all, a woman who has been raped needs to be
believed, listened to, and allowed the time and space to make her own
decisions about what to do.
It is normal for you to be upset, angry or confused. You might feel
a strong urge to 'do something' or you might try to convince the woman
to 'do something'. You might wonder whether she could have done something
to prevent the rape. You might feel responsible for what has happened.
You might want to confront the rapist and punish him yourself. The desire
for revenge is a common reaction for many supporters. You may have a
strong urge to "take charge" in order to protect her. 
It is important for you to allow a rape survivor to make her
own decisions and to support those decisions.
In some cases she may want direction or advice and it is important
that you do not feel like you have to have all the answers.
You might feel helpless and frustrated. These feelings are valid and
common. You may wish to seek support from family, friends and cousellors.
It is not appropriate for you to expect or demand support from the rape
survivor.
Support you can offer:
