Survivor Support Packet Resources
A guide for survivors of sexual abuse.
We are MASS Advocates Standing Strong: Self-advocates in Massachusetts working together to empower ourselves through education, so we can make choices to improve and enrich our lives.
What is Survivor Support?
We know that many people with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities are survivors of sexual abuse.
What is sexual abuse? Sexual abuse is when someone does something sexual to you without your permission. It can also mean that someone makes you do something sexual to them without your permission. We call the person that sexual abuse happens to, a victim and/or a survivor.
Other words for sexual abuse are sexual assault and sexual violence.
Sometimes, people are not believed when they say they were abused. We believe you and want to help.
If you or someone you know is a victim, here is a packet of resources and tools to help with getting support and healing.
Sexual Abuse Survivors Have the Right to Know:
Sexual violence is never okay, and it is not your fault!
We believe you!
It’s okay to:
be afraid or angry
cry or feel moody
say NO
not forgive a person
love and care for yourself
speak up about what is best for you
ask for the support you need
You are not alone. We see you and we’re here to help.
What’s In The Packet
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Where To Get More Help
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Trust Card: Who Do You Trust?
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Self-Care Tools to Help
When I Am Stressed - Videos
Take some time and use our videos to relax and learn more about self-care.
Tips for Supporting Survivors
Let the person be in control.
When a person is sexually assaulted control is taken away from them. It is important that you do not make decisions for the survivor, but rather let them decide as much as possible for themselves.
Be supportive.
Do not ask them for details about the assault but communicate your willingness to listen. Do not promise more than you can give. It is better to be realistic than not to follow through.
Provide options.
Let them know they have options. They can get medical attention and also seek counseling. They may want to file a report with the police. All options are up to them, and this has to be their decision and no one else’s. If they are not interested in any of these options, respect them for that.
Be reassuring.
Remind them that rape/sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. The two most important messages that you should tell a survivor are:
“I believe you” and “This is not your fault”
Other suggested phrases are:
“I’m sorry that this has happened to you.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“What do you need? What can I do to help?”
“This does not change how I feel about you.”
“I appreciate how hard this must be for you to tell me this.”
Get support for yourself.
Sexual Assault is a difficult issue and can affect those who care about the person who has been victimized. You can call Pathways for Change’s 24-hour hotline for support for you and the survivor at 800-870-5905 or call their VP hotline at 508-502-7681.
We’re here for you, whenever you’re ready.
This project is supported by Grant No. 2017-FW-AX-K004 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.