How You Can Take Care of Yourself

Seek support for yourself. Your support role is a critical part of the survivor’s recovery process. It is important that you take care of YOURSELF and get the support you need so you will be able to support the survivor. Talking with a counselor at CAPS who can help you work through your own feelings might better able you to stay supportive without the risk of total emotional burnout.

Be aware of your own reactions to sexual assault. You may feel a sense of violation when someone you care about has been assaulted. You may experience feelings of anger, hurt, or confusion. You may wish that you could make the survivor’s pain go away. Talking with a counselor at CAPS who can help you work through your own feelings will be very helpful to the survivor as well as yourself.

Know your limitations. Every individual has a limit to how much they can give. This does not make you less of a partner, friend or family member. It is important that you know your own limits of support and share them clearly with the survivor. Suggest other support options, and let the survivor know that you will not be hurt if s/he chooses to talk with someone else.

Again - seek support for yourself. Yes, this is a repeat from above because it really is important for you to take care of yourself and get your own support and help to be in a good place to help and support the survivor. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and pay attention to your own needs as well as being sensitive to the needs of the survivor.