Emotional support is the most comforting thing you can offer to someone who has been assaulted. Letting a victim know you’re there for them can help the healing process tremendously. Examples of phrases of emotional support are:
- I hear what you’re saying.
- It’s not your fault.
- Thank you for talking to me
- You’re doing the right thing.
Other things you can do to support emotionally
- Let silence happen. Sometimes your loved one needs to reflect!
- Don’t ask questions that begin with “whyâ€. It could sound accusatory, inadvertently putting your loved one on edge.
AVOID CLICHES!
If you want to support your loved one, don’t give them dime-store advice. Anybody can do that. Really listen to your loved one.
Cliches include (but are not limited to):
- You’ve got to get a handle on yourself.
- You have to be strong for (insert name).
- Time will heal.
- You’re not yourself.
- You’re not over this yet?
- Someone is always worse off.
- Count your blessings, it could be worse.
- This is God’s way/plan/will.
- I know how you feel.
- You’ll be fine.