Homecoming: Helping Survivors Rediscover Their Authentic Self After Sexual Assault

By Leah Forney, Underserved Populations Policy Advocate

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can have profound effects on survivors, impacting their sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being. Rediscovering one's authentic self after a traumatic experience such as sexual assault can be a challenging journey, but with the right support and guidance, survivors can find healing and regain their sense of self.

When supporting survivors from underserved populations such as Black, BIPOC, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities, it is important to understand both the cultural and systemic barriers that play a role in their recovery processes. For example, for every black girl who has been sexually assaulted, 15 black girls will not report being sexually assaulted (Ujima, 2018). This is largely due to systematic barriers, cultural barriers, and historical trauma that say black girls and women do not feel pain, and that their bodies do not belong to them. This misogynistic and patriarchal thinking has led to decades of trauma, victim-blaming, and rape culture that we see today in our society. This continues to be a barrier that we as an organization have to continue to fight through when addressing the recovery and rediscovery process for sexual assault victims and survivors.

Understanding the Recovery Process:

Recovering from sexual assault involves a complex and individualized journey. Survivors may experience a range of emotional and psychological responses, including fear, shame, anger, and grief. It is important for survivors to understand that these reactions are normal and that healing takes time. Self-compassion and patience are vital during this process.

Mental health is impacted by sexual assault. Almost one-third (31%) of all rape victims developed PTSD sometime during their lifetime and more than one in ten rape victims (11%) still have PTSD today. Rape victims were 6.2 times more likely to develop PTSD than women who had never been victims of crime (31% vs 5%) (Kilpatrick, 2000).

It is important to keep in mind that these statistics do not highlight other areas that may impact one’s recovery & rediscovery process such as substance use, suicide, other mental health challenges, lack of support, connection to perpetrator, pregnancy, and contracting of STIs & HIV/AIDS.

Practical Tips for Survivors

1. Self-Care Strategies

Self-care is crucial for survivors to nurture their well-being and regain a sense of control. Here are some practical self-care tips survivors can incorporate into their daily lives:

• Engage in mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Explore creative outlets, such as art, music, dance, or writing, as a means of self-expression and emotional release.
• Connect with supportive communities or join survivor support groups where you can share experiences, gain validation, and find comfort.
• Seek professional therapy from counselors or therapists who specialize in trauma recovery. They can provide guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to process emotions.

2. Nurturing Healthy Relationships

Rebuilding trust and developing healthy relationships is a crucial aspect of rediscovering one's authentic self. Consider the following tips:

• Practice effective communication skills, such as expressing needs, setting boundaries, and actively listening to others.
• Surround yourself with supportive individuals who validate your experiences and provide a safe space for open dialogue.
•  Prioritize self-compassion and forgive yourself for any self-blame or guilt that may arise.

3. Exploring Personal Identity

Sexual assault can disrupt a survivor's sense of identity. Here are some suggestions to help survivors reconnect with their personal interests, passions, and goals:

• Engage in activities that bring you joy and reconnect you with your authentic self. This could include pursuing hobbies, interests, or educational pursuits that you have always enjoyed or wanted to explore.
• Set small, achievable goals for personal growth and celebrate each milestone as you progress.
• Reflect on your values, strengths, and aspirations. Rebuilding a sense of self involves rediscovering what matters most to you.

Practical Tips for Service Providers

1. Creating Safe Spaces

Service providers play a critical role in supporting survivors. Consider the following strategies to create safe and non-judgmental environments:

• Foster a safe and welcoming atmosphere where survivors feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.
• Listen actively and empathetically, allowing survivors to express themselves without interruption or judgment.
• Respect survivors' autonomy and choices throughout their recovery process.

2. Individualized Support

Recognize that each survivor's journey is unique and requires personalized support. Here's how service providers can offer individualized assistance:

• Validate survivors' experiences and emotions, acknowledging their courage and resilience.
• Collaboratively develop recovery plans that align with survivors' specific needs and preferences.
• Provide information about available resources and support networks, including counseling services, legal aid, and survivor advocacy organizations.

3. Collaborative Approach

Collaboration between service providers and survivors is essential for successful recovery. Consider these approaches:

• Engage survivors in decision-making processes regarding their recovery and support options.
• Foster a multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with other professionals, such as therapists, medical practitioners, and legal experts, to provide comprehensive care.
• Continuously assess and adjust support strategies based on survivors' evolving needs.

Rediscovering one's authentic self after sexual assault is a challenging but achievable journey. By implementing practical tips for self-care, nurturing healthy relationships, and exploring personal identity, survivors can reclaim their lives, rebuild their identities, and find hope and healing. Service providers also play a vital role by creating safe spaces, offering individualized support, and fostering collaborative care. Together, we can support survivors on their path towards rediscovery and empower them to thrive in their lives.

References

Black Women and Sexual Assault. (2018). Ujima - The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community. Retrieved from: https://ujimacommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ujima-Womens-Violence-Stats-v7.4-1.pdf

Kilpatrick, D. G. (2000). The Mental Health Impact of Rape. National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center: Medical University of South Carolina. Retrieved from: https://mainweb-v.musc.edu/vawprevention/research/mentalimpact.shtml