Pueblo Rape Crisis Services

Support Survivors

It’s because of our generous donors that we’re able to do the important work that we do. If you’d like to help us in advocating for survivors and educating our community, please consider donating to Pueblo Rape Crisis Services.

Quarterly Victim Advocate Training

Quarterly 35-hour training (two weekends) led by PRCS staff and supported by a variety of guest speakers. Applicants must have a reliable vehicle and phone. Background check required.

Training topics covered include:

Breakdown of sexual violence, myths, facts, and stats

Crisis Intervention/Role Playing

Suicide Prevention

Domestic Violence

PTSD/Rape Trauma Syndrome

Prevention

PRCS is dedicated to educating and empowering young people in the Pueblo community. Prevention courses provide crucial information relating to sexual health, healthy relationships, consent, dating violence and sexual violence prevention, in order to promote positive development.

If you have a group that you would like get connected with our prevention program, contact (719) 544-1191.

Training

PRCS will customize a training to your group based on time allotted. Community training sessions are usually two hours and cover the following topics:

Consent

Bystander Intervention Awareness

Statistics

Rape Myths +Scenario Role Play: What to do/What not to do

Trauma/Victim Impact

Vicarious Trauma and Self Care

Offering Support

Sexual assault is a deeply intimate violation. Afterward, a survivor may experience a variety of emotions and will need support to move forward and heal. When someone discloses they have been raped or sexually assaulted, they are sharing something very personal and difficult. People may not know how to offer support to a survivor, because they are afraid to say or do the wrong thing. Below are some things to keep in mind when offering support.

Things to Remember

Everyone reacts differently to a trauma. They may not have the reaction you expect to see from someone who was assaulted.
Sexual violence is about power and control. A survivor has had their power taken away from them. It is important to help them reclaim their power by empowering them to make their own decisions, whether its making a reporting or what kind of medical attention.
Do not force someone to talk about their experience but be a safe space if and when they do talk about it. Encourage them to connect with a counselor when they are ready.

Things to Say

It's not your fault.
I'm sorry this happened to you.
I believe you.
You're not alone.
I'm here if you want to talk or not talk.
How can I help you?
What do you want to do next?

Things to Do

Validate their feelings
Believe them
Allow them to make their own decisions
Listen non judgmentally
Encourage their healing process (seeking a therapist, joining a support group, engaging in healthy activities such as journaling, art classes, yoga, etc.)

Things to Avoid

Blame them for what happened
Saying things such as: Were you drinking? Why were you out late? Why didn't you fight back or yell? Why did you wait so long to tell someone
Taking away their control of what they want to do next by guilting them or pressuring them to seek out support services (e.g. report, have a forensic exam done, seek out professional help)
Judge them for what happened and how they are moving through their healing process

Support Survivors

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