Helping my Boyfriend

[OhMyLorde]

Hi.

My bf just told me his sister got raped. He's really struggling, as anybody would. Hell, i've never met her and I cried when he told me. Rape is so awful, nobody deserves that, especially not such an amazing girl as she is.

I told him I love him and i'm here for him, but I know he's struggling. I don't know how to help him besides this, and maybe it's all I can do but I want to do everything I can to make him happy. I really do love him, when he is hurt i'm hurt.

Please please please let me know if there is anything I can do. I can't refer him to anyone and he does not see anyone, he has wanted to in the past but that financially will not work right now.

Thanks.

[Celyn]

Hey there,

Sorry to hear about your boyfriends sister. That's awful news and it's understandable that your boyfriend would be struggling and that you would want to support him. Rape can definitely affect family and friends too, even if they didn't go through it directly.

Even though you want to help him, remember that sometimes just listening can be enough. If you don't know how else to support him, then you might want to try asking if there is anything you can do to help. You can also suggest that he checks out RAINN www.rainn.org for further help and support, for him or his sister.

While supporting your boyfriend, be sure to look after yourself too

[hocus pocus]

It is really awesome that you want to support your boyfriend during an unfortunate time like this. As said above, sometimes listening can do a world of good even if it seems like a small thing to do.

Another thing that may help is spending time with your boyfriend without necessarily talking about what happened. Your presence and some quality time might help him feel a little bit better.

When in doubt, you can also be up front and ask your boyfriend if there is anything in particular you can do to support him or his sister.