How to Heal From Rape and Sexual Assault

Healing from rape or sexual assault is a long process that takes time. Many options exist for the rape or sexual assault victim to aide them in their recovery and regain control over their lives and emotional state.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Accept that the pain and anguish you're experiencing is a natural, normal human reaction to such a violent crime. Feeling pain and despair doesn't make you weak, it makes you human. Your new goal is to move past the pain and despair and reclaim your life.

2. Realize that the healing process is a continuous, not instant, one and is sometimes overwhelming. Dealing with the rape or sexual assault may bring back memories or flashbacks that make it that much harder to accept the reality of what happened. Your journey is not easy but is necessary to regain control of your life.

3. Explain to your family and friends what you need from them. They may not know how to help because they don't fully understand the trauma you went through. Only associate with those that support you in the healing process. Anyone with a negative attitude or who implies that you may be to blame for the crime is not someone you should give any time or attention to.

4. Find a support group for rape and sexual assault victims. Sharing your story with others as well as hearing the stories of others can assist you on your healing journey. As a rape or sexual assault victim, you're not alone and you have every right to continue your healing journey surrounded by a network of support.

5. Channel your fears and energy into physical activities. Take up running, jogging or swimming. Do something good for yourself physically. Many people feel that physical activity clears up the mind and reduces stress. Yoga and meditation are good for clearing the mind as well.

6. Seek counseling from a qualified professional specializing in recovery from rape and sexual assault. Search out local rape crisis centers in your area. Many provide counseling services at no charge. You may have many different and overwhelming emotions and a professional can help you wade through those to continue the healing process.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't bottle up your emotions and feelings. They only fester and cause you resentment and pain. A rape is such a personal assault that it can affect every area of your life if you let it. Release the pain you're experiencing by talking about it and being proactive in the healing process.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[constantknot]

on 8/29/2009 What if the victim was assaulted over the internet and by phone? What if said victim was only 13 years old at the time of the assault? How does she go about reconciling the resulting feelings five years later? Should she tell her parents? Her therapist?