Isn't there something more that I can do than just telling them to call a rape hotline?

Question

What are you supposed to do when a Questioner (who seems
very young) is asking for help after being raped? Isn't there something more that I can do than just telling them to call a rape hot line?

It was a Question posted here on Yahoo Answers.

Answer 1

friends, friends friends....they do need help..but they need love...not touchy feely love..they need to feel useful and wanted and loved....they need to know they are loved and liked for what is inside not for what they have to offer physically.....this world is full of sick people...know your friends...listen to them....get family involved...surround them with as much love, trust and support as possible without being to pushy

Answer 2

The person who told you of the rape, is she or he under the age of consent for the state (province) the person lives in? Are you physically there to assist? If the person is under the age of consent and you are there physically, I'd suggest going with the person to the Social Services (Ministry for Children and Families/Children's Aid) to report the rape.

If you are not physically there to help the person, you are obligated to report it to the authorties. I'd suggest Social Services (some areas have Children Hotlines/Helplines). In most states and provinces adults are legally obligated to report the rape of a child under the age of consent.

You can tell the person to talk to their school counsellor - if they are a teen - or an adult counsellor (if an adult). There are Rape Crisis Centres in most major cities. Small towns often have mental health centres or the hospital can assist with support.

Another resource is Victims Assistance - nonprofit support in Canada (not sure on the USA) for victims of crime.

The main thing is the victim needs to know that he or she is not at fault. That he or she is not a bad person. And listen to the person. He or she may have to talk this out over and over and over again.

If the person is under age of consent, it is also really important that he or she's parents are aware of what happened. Go with the person when the parents are told to support the person and help cushion the blow for the parents.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

You did the right thing. The only other thing you can do is tell them to be strong, since it was not their fault in any way, no matter how it happened. Maybe you could tell them to feel free to talk to you. I hope the young person tells a trusted adult, besides the hot line and hopefully the police. Tell them there are many persons they can contact for help and counseling and to not let the rapist have the satisfaction of messing up their life in any way!

Answer 4

They should go to an emergency room, where evidence of the rape can be collected. They should also report it to the police. And many areas have a rape recovery center that can help them.

I think it is so great that you care and want to help. Keep it up.

Answer 5

Tell need to tell the police and go to the hospital...They also should seek help from a professional, not a hot line....

Answer 6

you can give them moral support,advise them,let them know you are there for them,offer any further help that may be of assistance,eg,phone numbers for counselling,etc,they really need a doctor & counselling after this sort of attack as it will affect them mentally,some worse than other's,most of all listen with patience & understanding,be there for them.

Answer 7

yeah everything!!! make them do it! tell them to tell the police,tell there parents. yeah no one likes a snitch but thats for her own good!!! you have to do something because thats going to haunt her for a long time if she doesnt get help!