SAAM | CIS https://stopdvsa.org Creating positive social change through interrupting the cycle of violence. Fri, 28 Apr 2023 16:33:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://i0.wp.com/stopdvsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/cropped-CIS-FB-Logo.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 SAAM | CIS https://stopdvsa.org 32 32 193659996 Coping with the Aftermath of Sexual Assault https://stopdvsa.org/coping-with-the-aftermath-of-sexual-assault/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coping-with-the-aftermath-of-sexual-assault Fri, 30 Apr 2021 02:30:00 +0000 https://stopdvsa.org/?p=4517

Coping with the Aftermath of Sexual Assault

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Discover how to rebuild and empower your life moving forward

The trauma that can be felt as a result of sexual assault is one of the most painful and difficult feelings to overcome. It’s a sense of feeling broken, violated, and incomplete. Recovering and healing takes time, but throughout the process you begin to regain control and feel a sense of self-worth.

What is important is that you take each step slow and along the way find new avenues to channel your emotions while you try to find balance and feel secure again. Our advocates, and other trauma professionals often recognize that some survivors struggle with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety, and Depression. This is not uncommon, and while these after-effects can create brutal strains on everything from relationships to workplace performance, it is critical to seek out professional counsel.

Coming to terms with your experience, and releasing the thoughts of shame, helplessness, and blame are some of the most defining moments you’ll have in the recovery process. Do not let the past hold you back from the happiness that is waiting for you in the rest of your life. From the pain and darkness, you can rise into a new vision of strength and courage.

Here’s a few steps you can utilize in your journey to rebuild your self-esteem, regain confidence, and express your feelings:

  • Don’t be afraid to talk about what happened to you. Find someone you can trust to talk to when you need it or even consider joining a support group where you can make a difference for others, just as they can help you too.
  • Come to terms with your feelings of guilt and shame. What happened to you was not your fault, and any other misconceptions that may be running through your head are simply tiny voices that you don’t need to listen to. When you keep questioning yourself about the why’s and what if’s, it’s only going to lead you into more distress.
  • Be prepared for traumatic triggers. Your body and your mind will occasionally bring back flashbacks and upsetting memories if prompted. This can come in a variety of forms, sometimes without notice, but over time (and with a little help) you can train yourself to help manage those tensions if you feel them coming on. Research different soothing and calming techniques to help control your mind and body before it overwhelms you.
  • Pay close attention to your physical and emotional well-being. Don’t try to numb the pain through unconventional outlets like drugs or alcohol. Instead take unique measures to empower yourself through movement and energy. Many people find activities like meditation, yoga, dancing, or even cardio as a way to channel that anxiety into momentum that is great exercise for the body and soul.
  • Continue to engage in socialization. Stay connected with friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors who can continue to be a positive, and supportive force in your healing. Find the joy in reconnecting with people who share some of the interests and dreams as you, because that kind of inspiration will only strengthen your recovery.
  • Don’t avoid self-care! Keeping up with good nutrition and exercise is the best way to help your body refresh every single day. Make sure you get good, healthy rest too because your body still needs that time to relax. Don’t let the anxiety of the past stand in the way of a bright, healthy future for you.

These are just a small sample of some of the steps you can take in your own path to feeling whole again. Sexual Assault, like many traumatic events, changes you and while today you may realize just how much hurt there is in that pain, there is also a spark of hope waiting to be revealed. Coping with the aftermath of sexual assault is not an easy adjustment, and it can have lifelong effects on the type of person you are- but you cannot allow it to define you or your future. You don’t have to hide it. Instead let it motivate you and uplift your spirit to become so much more.

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Creating a Safety Plan and Preparing to Use It https://stopdvsa.org/creating-a-safety-plan-and-preparing-to-use-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=creating-a-safety-plan-and-preparing-to-use-it Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:53:02 +0000 https://stopdvsa.org/?p=4499

Creating a Safety Plan and Preparing to Use It

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Take the steps in knowing how you can get to a safe place before and during a violent situation

Safety plans serve as an essential guide to find respite in a violent situation. It’s important that you develop this resource and keep it in a safe place where it can only be accessible to you. This safety plan should outline actions that are customized to your situation and need to reflect various areas of consideration such as your physical safety, emotional safety, financial safety, and any legal necessities.

Let’s breakdown some of the key planning points you can utilize in your safety planning arrangements:

 Before the Situation
• Create an emergency bag for yourself (and your kids if applicable) that includes essentials like money, an extra set of keys, important documents, and clothes. Then keep the bag at a trusted friend or relative’s house for safekeeping or choose a carefully selected hiding spot in your home.
• Introduce a secret “safe word or phrase” that can be used to communicate when you need immediate help and teach it to your kids. This can be extremely helpful, especially if communicating with texts or on social media.
• Ensure everyone knows how and when to call 9-1-1.
• Familiarize yourself with every door, window, staircase, elevator, and fire escape in your area so you can quickly and safely get out.
• Notify trusted neighbors to be alert if they see or hear suspicious activity.
• Practice, Practice, Practice!

During the Situation
• Use your judgement and do what is needed to keep you and your family safe. Call 9-1-1 at the earliest opportunity and get out.
• Grab your emergency bag (if it is at home) and quickly get to your car. (*Consider parking your car in a position where you can drive away quickly because every second matters.)
• Seek shelter at a close friend’s house, home of a family member, or community shelter as quickly as possible. (*In your practice and preparation stages- think about the quickest routes to your destination or unusual routes where the attacker may not suspect where you are going)

Using Awareness In Public
• Speak to your supervisor at work about your situation. Talk with security personnel and any of your trusted work colleagues who can offer support to you.
• Consider asking your employer to screen calls of your work phone for data security.
• Be vigilant in your normal routines and activities- consider shopping at different stores, take different routes home, or consider using public transportation if possible.
• Get assistance in creating a new bank account at a different bank where you can start clean slate, and no one will have access except you.
• Keep all emergency contact information easily accessible on your phone- add STOPDVSA to your speed dial list: 1-800-270-1620

Take every opportunity to develop your own customized safety plan so that you know what to do and where to go when your situation escalates out of control. If you need help in organizing and creating a safety plan for you and your family, please contact our advocates who are available 24/7 to assist. You can chat with them online right now or call our free hotline at 1-800-270-1620.

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Creating a Safety Plan and Preparing to Use It

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