Columbia University Health Services

Understand your own feelings.
You may also feel guilty, confused, hurt, angry, or frightened. Such feelings can be expected.

Do not be afraid to ask for help.
Find someone other than the survivor to talk with about your feelings. Talking with someone else may help you understand your own emotions and give you a clearer perspective on the situation.

Know and respect you own limits.
There is only so much you can do to help your friend. You can provide support, compassion, and companionship when your friend wants it, but try not to make commitments that you can not fulfill.

Keep the rest of your life on track.
Do note forget to take care of yourself. Allowing other aspects of your life to slip through the cracks will only increase the stress you feel.

Remember that it was not your fault.
You may feel guilty, thinking that you could have prevented your friend’s sexual assault. Do not forget that sexual assault is a violent crime and you are not to blame.

Realize that coping with sexual assault is a long-term process .
Remember that your friend’s recovery from the assault will not happen overnight. The impact of the assault and how your friend copes will probably change over time.

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Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program (SVPRP) provides comprehensive and integrated education, support and advocacy about sexual and relationship violence. The program supports survivors and fosters individual and collective action to end sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Program. 

The Barnard Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center provides peer counseling and advocacy services for survivors and co-survivors of sexual and relationship violence. For more information go to the Barnard-Columbia Rape Crisis/Anti-Violence Support Center. 

Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Misconduct 212 854 1717  

Barnard Health Services 212 854 2092 

Barnard clinician on-call 212 666 5838

Barnard Furman Counseling Services 212 854 2092 

Barnard Public Safety 212 854 3362 

Counseling & Psychological Services 212 854 2468 

Primary Care Medical Services 212 854 7426 

Columbia University clinician-on-call for after-hours health concerns 212 854 9797

Columbia University Public Safety 212 854 2796  

Nightline (10pm-3am) 212 854 7777 

Morningside Campus University Ombuds Office 212 854 1234 

Columbia University Medical Center Campus 212 305 3400

Columbia University Medical Center for Student Wellness 212 304 5564

Columbia University Medical Center Mental Health Services 212 795 4181 

Columbia University Medical Center clinician-on-call 212 305 5549

Medical Center Campus Public Safety x99 or 305-8100 

Columbia University Medical Center Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action 212 854 5511