How to Help Peers in Need

Reach Out

• Ask your peer how she/he is feeling
• Identify people who may be isolated or quiet.

Listen

• Assess immediate needs
• Reflect back to them what they're telling you -- make sure you understand them correctly

Reaffirm

• Validate her/his feelings. "This must be a really difficult time for you."
• "I know it has to be really difficult for you to concentrate right now."

Support

• Normalize her/his experience, "You know, what you're feeling is really okay for what's going on."
• Acknowledge to your peer that talking as a positive response to crisis.

Refer

• There are campus resources that can help. Help make that connection.
• Touch base with your peer after they've had contact as follow-up.

• 10 Things Men Can do to Prevent Gender Violence (English)
• 10 Cosas que los HOMBRES pueden hacer para TERMINAR CON LA VIOLENCIA DE LOS HOMBRES contra las mujeres (Spanish)

What to do if you are sexually assaulted...

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the Philadelphia area, free medical treatment is provided to rape victims at Episcopal click here for map; ph: 215.685.3251 ) and Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals (click here for map); ph: 215.955.6000.
• Do not shower, eat, or smoke. These actions can destroy evidence of the attack.
• Report the crime (call 911 or 215.686.1776 ). A victim is not required to report the incident, but it is highly recommended to prevent future attacks by the perpetrator.
• Women Organized Against Rape is an organization, which provides a 24-hour hotline service (215) 985-3333. Their hotline is staffed with trained crisis counselors, that you can call any time.

Click here for tips on how to help peers in need.

Resources

You can call or go to one of the following facilities, which will have a counselor accompany you to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for examinations. The counselor will also stay with you through legal proceedings if you decide to take legal action.

Women Organized Against Rape (WOAR)
24-hour Hotline: 215-985-3333

The National Center for Victims of Crime
Hotline: 1-800-FYI-CALL, M-F 8:30am-8:30pm

Penn Women's Center
3643 Locust Walk
215-898-8611

University of Pennsylvania's Division of Public Safety
www.publicsafety.upenn.edu

Drexel Student Counseling Center
Drexel University - Main Campus
3210 Chestnut Street Suite 201
215-895-1415
Emergency pager # 215-373-0688

Drexel Student Counseling Center
Drexel University - Center City Hahnemann Campus
1505 Race Street
Bellet Building, 3rd Floor
215-762-7625

Special Services, UPPD
4040 Chesnut Street
24-hour Helpline: 215-898-6600

RAINN's Social Norms Poster Campaign
http://www.rainn.org/gcposters.html
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1.800.656.HOPE

You can obtain Morning-after Contraception at these facilities:

Women's Health Center at Student Health Services
Lower Level of Penn Tower Hotel
215-662-2874

Hotline for Morning-after Contraception
1-888-not-2-late

VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative

National Center for Victims of Crime

Additional Counseling Centers

Drexel Health Center
3201 Arch Street, Suite 240
(215) 895-5800

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Counseling Services Center
4140 Building
215-596-8536

You can find support from these groups:

Students Together Against Acquaintance Rape
(STAAR)
staar@dolphin.upenn.edu

Survivor's Circle
saraht@sas.upenn.edu

To become involved in our program, fill out our Contact Form.

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