Community5 min
Supporting a Survivor
How to support a survivor with safety, respect, and practical help.
Start With Belief and Safety
What Helpful Support Looks Like
What to Avoid
Lesson Outline
Lesson outline
Step 1
Start With Belief and Safety
Step 2
What Helpful Support Looks Like
Step 3
What to Avoid
Step 4
If There Is Immediate Risk
Section 1
Start With Belief and Safety
- Believe the survivor and avoid blaming questions.
- Ask what they need right now instead of deciding for them.
- Help them assess immediate danger and safe places.
Section 2
What Helpful Support Looks Like
- Offer transport to clinic, police, or safe shelter if requested.
- Help document facts (dates, locations, names) only with consent.
- Stay with them during difficult calls or appointments if they want support.
- Share options, not pressure. The survivor should choose next steps.
Section 3
What to Avoid
- Do not confront the alleged abuser directly.
- Do not share their story without explicit consent.
- Do not force reporting if the survivor is not ready and immediate danger is not present.
Section 4
If There Is Immediate Risk
- Call emergency services or hotlines promptly.
- Use the panic workflow in Usalama Voice if appropriate.
- Prioritize a safe exit plan before legal or evidence steps.
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