Fortunately, there are resources available to survivors and non-survivors to help cope with these triggers and help loved ones and strangers who have experienced assault.

The Huffington Post spoke to Kristen Houser, the chief public affairs officer at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), about these support systems and how to utilize them.

“This is the moment where the power of being an active citizen becomes incredibly important,” Houser said. “And that’s something everybody can do ― whether you’re a survivor, a significant other or just a caring individual.”

Whether it’s donating to an anti-sexual violence organization, volunteering for a crisis helpline, or reaching out to a survivor who may be struggling ― there are so many ways to be supportive. And it’s critical that we all step up to help.

For many, especially survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse, it is hard to fathom four years of man whose very voice has the ability to trigger memories of abuse and trauma. Houser had some encouraging words for survivors who are currently struggling.

“You’re not alone. Look around you, feel your feet on the ground, know that you’re safe,” she said. “Fear of the unknown can be overwhelming at times, focus on the here and now. Focus on what’s good, what’s healthy, what’s supportive, feel good about the resiliency that you’ve had thus far.”

Here are a few ways you can support survivors of sexual assault and a few ways you can help yourself if you need it:

1. If you want to talk to someone...

Whether you’ve survived sexual assault or felt deeply traumatized by the election, talking about your feelings is always healthy and integral to coping. Houser encourages those in need of a supportive ear to call the National Sexual Assault Hotline operated by RAINN to find out how they can help or if they simply just need to talk.

Call any of the below crisis helplines if you want to talk or scroll below to see specific numbers for coalitions in your state. (Every hotline offers counseling in multiple languages.)

Here’s a list of contact information for support groups:

For RAINN head here.

For NSVRC head here.

For Forge head here.

For Network La Red head here.

2. If you want to volunteer...

There are multiple ways to donate your time to an anti-sexual violence organization. You can volunteer for a national-based organization or in your specific community.

Here are a few ways to volunteer:

To volunteer for the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (operated by RAINN) head here.

To search for local volunteering opportunities in your area head here.

To become a fundraiser for RAINN head here or for NSVRC head here.

If you’re a college student who wants to bring sexual assault activism to your campus, head here.

To organize your own event head here.

3. If you want to take action on social media...

Any small gesture of support helps, even if it’s a Facebook status or tweet. As the RAINN website reads: “You can play an important role in stopping sexual violence and connecting survivors with the support they deserve. The best part? You only have to lift a finger.”

There are a few ways to show support via social media. Here’s a few from RAINN:

Connect survivors with help by posting about help services like crisis hotlines. Here’s an example from RAINN: “If you have been affected by sexual assault, you are not alone. @RAINN01 provides free, confidential support 24/7 at online.rainn.org.” Head to RAINN to see more.

Educate your friends by sharing statistics: “Every 109 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted. Learn more and take action with @rainn01 at rainn.org.” Head to RAINN to read more.

Advocate for sexual assault survivors by signing RAINN’s #MyNameOurVoice petition and share it on social media. The petition is a letter to our next president that states: “sexual violence is more than a talking point ― it’s an issue that affects nearly every family in America.” Head here to learn more.

Tweet at or email your congressperson with concerns about sexual assault policies.

4. If you want to donate...

A great way to show support is by donating to sexual assault awareness organizations. If you have a loved one who’s a survivor ― and she/he/they are open about their assault ― consider donating in their name.

“Honor their resiliency, honor their spirit and their fight by donating in their name,” Houser said. “That can mean the world to people.”

Below is a list of national and state-by-state organizations that you can donate to in the fight to send sexual violence.

National Organizations:

State-By-State Organizations: