The Trauma Is Too Much To Bear!
Dealing with sexual abuse takes time, but what takes even more time is to recover from the trauma caused by sexual abuse and sexual assault. The recuperating procedure can be agonizing and excruciating. Violation of consent is very common in our society and figures to suggest that nearly 1 in 5 women living in the United States are sexually violated at some point in time.
Irrespective of one’s age or gender, the impact of sexual abuse goes beyond physical injuries. The suffering of being raped or assaulted sexually can leave people feeling terrified, shattered, frightened, embarrassed, and deserted, all at the same time. Flashbacks, nightmares, and other vexatious recollections can further enhance the trauma of the victims. As a result of the aforementioned emotions, one may not confide in themselves, lose trust in others, and even blame themselves for the heinous act, which in turn enhances the existing traumatic event.
How Does One Deal With Sexual Abuse?
Dealing with sexual abuse is a multifarious approach and starts with first opening up about the abuse. This is a crucial step because of the stigma that is attached to rape and sexual assault. There are many factors that lead a victim to be silent on the matter, but in this process, the victim is actively denying help and strengthens the state of being a victim. One should reach out to someone they trust. If the survivor has no one who s/he trusts, they can reach out to a therapist or a rape crisis helpline.
The next step in the process is to cope with the feelings of shame and self-accusation. When a survivor opens up about the act, there are many factors that come into the picture like:
- Not victim shaming,
- Understanding that no matter the circumstances, it is the perpetrator who crossed the line and breach of trust and that the victim in no manner could have prevented the heinous crime in question,
- Constantly working on improving mental health as well as physical health, This can happen when the responsibility of the act is assigned to where it belongs: the rapist.
To deal with the abuse, prepare for the flashbacks and unnerving recollections. To prepare for this one can anticipate and prepare for things, smells, dates that may trigger the survivor. Flashbacks are a problem faced by the survivors and as such, there is no way to prevent them but one can calm themselves down by reassuring themselves that the recollection is a flashback and not the reality, one can also ground themselves in the present for reassurance.
Reconnecting With One’s Body And Emotions Is Vital!
To feel better, reconnecting with one’s body and emotions is vital. It is alarming to get back in contact with your body and emotions following sexual abuse. From multiple points of view, assault makes your body the foe, something that has been disregarded and debased—something you may despise or need to overlook. When you are back in contact with your body and emotions, you will have a sense of security, confidence, and power. You can accomplish this through the subsequent procedures: Mindfulness meditation, Massage, Yoga, Rhythmic movement, etc.
It happens often that survivors feel detached and alone. It is not unexpected to feel separated and disengaged from others following molestation. You may feel enticed to pull back from social exercises and your friends and family. Be that as it may, it is critical to remain associated with life and the individuals who care about you. Backing from others is crucial to your recuperation. In any case, recollect that help does not imply that you generally need to discuss or harp on what occurred. Having a fun time and laughing with individuals who care about you can be similarly curative. Participation in new activities, reconnecting with old friends or making new friends can help deal with sexual abuse.
Take Care Of Yourself!
Following steps can help cope up with residual symptoms like fear, and anxiety: Take time to rest and restore your body’s balance, take care of yourself physically, avoid alcohol, and drugs and be smart about media consumption. In any case, opting for a therapist is good for your mental health as well.
The healing process is a gradual and ongoing one; hence, not losing hope is the most essential element of dealing with sexual abuse.
Receive Legal Aid!
The primary aim is to ensure justice is served and that the perpetrators are put in jail without bail. We provide confidential legal assistance to survivors of sexual assault.
