A Toolkit to Support Rape Survivors

If someone you know has been raped and is going through a challenging time, they will be feeling a range of emotions. You too may be feeling a range of confusing emotions and may be wondering how you can help. Rape Crisis has found a need in the online space to communicate with those that can’t necessarily make the commute. For that, there is a 24-hour helpline 021 447 9762, with a free callback, as well as counselling services in our Athlone, Khayelitsha and Observatory offices.

Some of the common challenges faced by support systems is the ability to handle a survivor in the most sensitive way. Thanks to the counsellors and communications team at Rape Crisis, a Toolkit has been created to help you support a rape survivor, whether it’s for a friend, a family member or a colleague.

By using the Toolkit, you can practise the 7 steps below to ease the challenging process a rape survivor has to go through and this will also empower you as the listener to feel confident in supporting the survivor. These are ways in which you can support a rape survivor. or find the Toolkit in our resources.