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PART III: THEORY
Example of role play 6: How to support a survivor when she tells her story
H. Welcome back. I am glad that you decided to come back again. S.
Yes, I wanted to come because I have been thinking … H. Good, I can see that you are a bit excited and worried. S. Yes, I have decided that I want to file a report. I do not want these men to go unpunished. H.
S.
H.
It is good to hear that you feel you are ready to take such a step, and I want you to know I will support you in whatever decision you make. Still I think there are a few things we need to discuss.
Yes, and I have questions to ask. What do I do if I go all crazy when I am talking with the lawyer?
That is one of the things that we should talk about. Often when one has experienced terrible things, talking about it can be very triggering. I suggest we practice a few grounding techniques so you can use them if you start feeling out of control. And a stop signal that you can use when you need a timeout.
S. That sounds very good. H.
S.
H.
We should also talk about what you expect to happen after you have reported. Court cases often take a long time, and sometimes the perpetrator will not even be punished.
I have also heard that, but I still feel that this is the right thing to do. If I can at least prevent others from experiencing what I did. But can you please come with me?
I will be with you when you file the report, but we should try to find a good lawyer that can help you if we go to court …