What should I do if someone confides in me their experiences of sexual harm?

You should thank them for confiding in you. Through confiding in you, they have likely found a way of overcoming their experiences.

Listen to them seriously and silently. Don’t ever suggest they are partly to blame for their experiences, or give them a sermon. They’re likely to already blame themselves for what they experienced.

Supporting victims of sexual violence requires the held of experts and specialist organisations. Don’t try to take on everything yourself, consult with PAPS through the contact details listed on our website.