Healing from Sexual Assault: Breaking the Silence and Reclaiming Your Power

Sexual assault can be one of the most painful and life-altering experiences a person can endure. Its emotional and psychological impact can be deep and long-lasting. But no matter what you’ve been through, it’s not your fault, and you have nothing to be ashamed of.

Processing what happened can take time, and healing can look different for everyone. Some people choose to reach out for help immediately, while it can take others months or even years before they’re ready to talk about what happened.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to begin healing, or just need reassurance that you’re not alone, this guide is here to support you.

The Hidden Wounds of Sexual Assault

Although sexual assault can leave a person with physical injuries or illnesses, the deepest wounds are often emotional and psychological. Everyone reacts differently to traumatic events, but some of the most common effects include:

Depression and Anxiety

Many survivors experience a persistent sense of sadness and hopelessness, often struggling to enjoy activities they once loved. At the same time, they may experience panic attacks or even develop social anxiety, making going to work or school difficult.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Up to 81% of survivors experience PTSD symptoms one week after the assault, and 75% of them still have symptoms a month later. After a year, 41% of them still experience issues like flashbacks, being on edge all the time, and having intrusive thoughts.

Substance Abuse

Survivors may turn to substances like alcohol and drugs to manage their emotions. This can quickly escalate to a substance use disorder that further impacts mental health and makes healing even more difficult.

Eating Disorders

Many who have been sexually assaulted go on to struggle with eating disorders. Eating too little, or too much, may be a way of coping with the emotional turmoil, but it can lead to severe health problems.

Dissociation

Another issue people who’ve lived through sexual assault can experience is a sensation like they’re no longer in their own body. This can occur during the assault itself as well as afterward.

Self-Esteem Problems

After living through sexual assault, self-esteem can plummet. Survivors may struggle with feelings of shame and even self-blame for what happened. All of this can destroy their sense of self-worth.

Trust and Intimacy Issues

It can be very difficult to begin or maintain relationships after suffering a sexual assault. You may find yourself withdrawing from friends and other loved ones while also struggling with intimacy. This can quickly erode relationships and result in further isolation, which only causes more mental health concerns.

How to Heal From Sexual Assault

Healing from sexual assault is not a one-size-fits-all process. What works for one person may not work for you. It’s also not necessarily a linear process. You may feel like you’ve made progress one day, but find yourself struggling with flashbacks or anxiety the next.

It’s natural to wonder, how long does it take to recover from sexual assault? But there’s no correct answer. Your experience is unique, and there’s no need to gauge your recovery based on anyone else’s.

That being said, there are a few common strategies for healing that many survivors have found helpful, and it’s worth exploring any of those you feel comfortable with. These include:

• Getting into the habit of journaling
• Practicing deep breathing and other relaxation exercises
• Trying meditation
• Learning grounding techniques to combat flashbacks
• Avoiding isolating yourself
• Taking care of yourself physically
• Allowing yourself to rest
• Being cautious of media usage

As you heal, it’s understandable to have moments of frustration, but remember to be gentle and patient with yourself. Don’t feel as though you need to rush the process.

The Importance of Breaking the Silence

Often, people wonder why victims of sexual assault don’t speak up immediately after it occurs. What they don’t always understand is the tremendous feeling of shame and other emotions that many survivors feel. They may also be afraid of one common reaction—being blamed for the attack.

It’s common for people to ask whether the victim was intoxicated or dressed provocatively. These questions place the blame for the attack on the victim instead of on the perpetrator. To avoid these accusations, victims sometimes choose to stay silent and try to deal with the aftermath on their own.

When considering how to recover from sexual assault, however, one of the most important steps you can take is to speak up and share your experience. This doesn’t have to happen immediately after the assault or on anyone else’s timeline but your own. You choose when and how to share what happened so that you can begin healing.

How to Get Support

When you’re ready to speak to someone, there are many places you can turn to for support. Close friends, family members, or a therapist may be options, but there are also national and local organizations that can help.

One resource is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). They have a national hotline through which you can speak with a trained staff member from a sexual assault victim’s center.

In Florida, you can also access a rape crisis center called Project Help, Inc. which provides counseling and support groups as well as a 24-hour hotline and emergency shelter. If you live near Ft. Lauderdale, you have access to the Nancy J. Cotterman Center for victims’ support services for people of all ages. They offer medical services, too.

Other services you can choose include:

• Gulf Coast Sexual Assault Program
• Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies
• Betty Griffin Center
• Joyful Heart Foundation

Another form of support to consider as you navigate the aftermath of sexual assault is legal counsel. While speaking with a lawyer may come much later in the process, it’s important to know your rights and legal options.

Legal Action Can Be a Part of Healing

A common question survivors have is, “Can you sue someone for sexual assault?” The answer is yes. Although filing a sexual assault lawsuit is not going to erase the attack, it can bring some closure.

Sadly, the criminal justice system doesn’t always side with survivors, but the good news is that whether or not the perpetrator of the assault was convicted, you can still file a civil lawsuit. Doing so can help you regain a feeling of control and obtain compensation for what you’ve suffered.

While nothing will ever fully remunerate you for the trauma you have sustained, a settlement can go a long way toward helping you pay for therapy sessions and other medical expenses and to address the physical and emotional distress you sustained.

As with everything related to these traumatic experiences, you must do what is in your best interests. If you don’t feel comfortable pursuing a lawsuit, you have a right to put the case aside.

You Are Not Defined by What Happened to You

You are more than what happened to you. You have every right to choose what comes next. For some, that means focusing solely on healing and moving forward. Others choose to take legal action as part of that process. There’s no one right path, only what feels right for you.

If you decide to begin a civil action against the perpetrator of the sexual assault, we at Chiapetta Trial Lawyers are here to provide the compassionate and tenacious support you deserve. Our sexual assault lawyers are dedicated to helping those who have suffered because of another party’s behavior, and we can guide you through the process. Contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation.