• If you are in distress and need to speak with someone urgently, an on-call crisis counselor can be reached 24/7 at the following numbers:
    Holy Cross 24-hour Crisis Center number (855-418-7282)
    National Suicide Help Line (800-273-8225)

How to Help a Friend or Family Member

 

  • Encourage the survivor to express his/her fears and anxieties.
  • Support the survivor for surviving the crime. Be positive about his/her actions and avoid blaming the survivor.
  • Many assault survivors feel they were going to die during the incident. Let the survivor know you're glad s/he survived and that you care.
  • Identify your community resources.
  • Help survivors feel safe.
  • Take care of yourself.

*Crisp, J. (1992). Surviving Violent Crime