Suggestions for Romantic Partners - SAN FRANCISCO WOMEN AGAINST RAPE

Ask permission before touching or holding your partner. Take cues from your partner, and maintain open communication.
Be patient. Changes in your sexual relationship are normal and usually temporary. Be sensitive and understanding to your partner.
Don’t doubt your own adequacy or become angry if your partner is not as responsive as usual.
Your partner needs to be given the chance to regain his or her sense of personal control. Do not demand or pressure your partner into sexual activity. Resuming sex “as usual” may not be the best way of moving the healing process forward.
It is also important not to avoid any display of intimacy or affection. This may be interpreted by your partner that s/he is undesirable to you. There are many ways to express intimacy without being sexual.
Do not rush sexual contact. Allow your partner to make his or her own decisions around initiating sexual contact. It is important that you allow your partner to decide a pace and intensity of sexual contact that feels most comfortable to him/her.
Accept the fact that your partner’s renewal of sexual interest may occur at a slow pace. (It is also possible that your partner may become more sexual than before the assault. Continue to communicate about any shifts in your sexual relationship).
Discuss the subject of sex in a non-sexual environment (i.e., not in bed).