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Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline/ Línea de Crisis Sobre La Violencia Sexual: 303-322-7273

Understanding My Experience

Telling Someone In My Life

Understanding My Experience: Telling Someone In My Life

As a survivor of sexual assault, it’s often very difficult to process what happened to you. 

Sometimes it can be even harder to tell someone close to you about the experience. It is common to wonder if they will believe you, if they will be upset with you, or if it will change your relationship. If you need help deciding who to tell and what to say, we can help you figure it out.

Get connected to free, confidential support 24/7

You can call our 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline at 303-322-7273.

We also offer a 24/7 Online Hotline that works like other instant messaging and online chat systems, but with enhanced security measures. You'll enter a private chat with a trained RAINN support specialist and chat live by typing messages back and forth.

  • Do I have to tell my family about my assault?

    Who you choose to tell is entirely up to you. This may mean you confide in a family member, a close friend, law enforcement, or someone else you trust. If you aren't sure, a good first step may be to talk to someone on our 24/7 confidential and anonymous hotline. 

    Our trained volunteers can help you figure out who to tell and how to tell them or connect you to other resources.

    Contact our 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline/Linea en Español para ayuda sobre el abuse sexual at 303-322-7273 for free, confidential help, day or night. We use RELAY Colorado for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

  • How do I tell someone close to me?

    Telling someone in your life about your assault can be stressful and scary. Remember that it is up to you whether or not you tell anyone. 

    If you have decided to disclose any information to someone in your life, The Blue Bench is here to help.

    If you want to practice what you will say, you can contact our 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline/Linea en Español para ayuda sobre el abuse sexual at 303-322-7273 for free, confidential help, day or night. We use RELAY Colorado for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

  • Will the person I tell be mad at me/will our relationship change?

    It's normal to worry about how someone in your life will react to learning about your assault. 

    If you have chosen to disclose that information to someone, remember that what happened wasn't your fault. In the same way that survivors of assault react in different ways, friends and family members of survivors can have varied responses too. 

    Be honest about what you need and let this person know you are coming to them for support and because you trust them. 

    Remember it is not your responsibility to educate them about sexual violence. If they want to learn more about how to support you, they can read more about it here. 

    We also offer a workshop for the loved ones of survivors so they can begin to understand what you are going through and how best to help you heal.

    For more information, you can call our 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline/Linea en Español para ayuda sobre el abuse sexual at 303-322-7273 for free, confidential help, day or night. We use RELAY Colorado for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

  • How can I help someone in my life understand what I'm going through?

    If you have chosen to tell someone in your life about your experience, remember, it is not your job to educate them about sexual assault, the criminal justice system, etc.

    If you are able, tell this person how they can best support you, but it's OK if you aren't sure what support looks like for you yet. 

    If they have questions you don't feel you can answer, they can contact our 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline/Linea en Español para ayuda sobre el abuse sexual at 303-322-7273 for free, confidential help, day or night. We use RELAY Colorado for those who are deaf and hard of hearing.

    We also offer a workshop for the loved ones of survivors so they can begin to understand what you are going through and how best to help you heal. 

  • Do I have to tell my employer?

    We understand that a sexual assault can greatly impact your daily life, including work performance and attendance. 

    If you are dealing with things that are affecting your work such as panic attacks, therapy and/or law enforcement appointments and aren't sure if you should disclose that information to your employer, The Blue Bench is here to help you navigate the decision-making process. 

    Our Case Managers can help you decide who to tell, how to tell them and how much to disclose.

    A Case Manager can be reached by calling the office during business hours at 303-329-9922, or by leaving a message anytime at ext. 302.

Our Continuum of Care, led by our professional Care Team, allows survivors, their families and friends to come to us and be heard, believed and supported, regardless of when the sexual assault occurred.

The Blue Bench is here for survivors of sexual assault 13 years of age and older* of all gender identities, ethnic/racial identities, sexual identities, and religious backgrounds who reside in our 9-county service area. 

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