The single most important thing you can do to help your friend is to believe them and offer support. Your friend is vulnerable, and your reaction can influence whether they choose to share information with others, including the police or mental and physical health counseling services.
- Believe and let them know that you are glad they felt comfortable sharing this with you.
- Assure and reassure them that what happened was not their fault. Self-blame and self-doubt are common reactions of victims of sexual violence.