How to Move on After a Sexual Assault

Assault of any type is life altering, traumatic and terrifying. Sexual assault is particularly damaging to the victim. It destroys self esteem, affects the ability to be physically and emotionally intimate and the ability to trust. Moving on after a sexual assault is difficult and the road to recovery can only be made with small steps.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Therapist specializing in sexual assault
• Sexual assault support group

1. Accept that this has happened to you. Denying the assault is merely an act of running to a standstill. Acceptance is the only way to begin the journey to recovery.

2. Understand that you can't do this alone. No matter how strong you think you are, you do need help in moving on from a sexual assault.

3. Get help. Go to your local YWCA or sexual assault crisis center and join a sexual assault victim's group or find a therapist that specializes in sexual assaults. Call the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

4. Surround yourself with people who love you. This will remind you that you are not alone and that you have the support of friends and family for as long as you need it.

5. Make recovery your first priority. This doesn't mean you should quit your job or stop taking care of your kids. It does mean that you must put your own needs before the needs of others who are capable of taking care of themselves.

6. Deal with your emotions as they come. One day you may be angry and another day you may break down crying. Let them come; this will avoid allowing your emotions to become bottled up inside you.

7. Recognize that this is part of who you now are. No one is the same after a sexual assault. It cannot be erased. In time, you will again love completely, trust wholly and be happy.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient. Recovery will come and you will move on, but healing takes time.
• Don't apologize for your emotions. You are not a burden to people who love and care about you. They have offered their help and support because of those reasons.
• Don't blame yourself. Sexual assault is never the victim's fault.
• Don't rush the recovery process. Even small cuts and bruises take time to heal.

Resources

• RAINN provides recovery resources to sexual assault victims.
• Assistance is available at National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

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