Steps towards Healing

As a survivor, I know the toll that Sexual Abuse can take on one's life. I struggled to find ways to obtain personal satisfaction and healing. I used to believe that I would never be able to heal from what happened to me. I realized that although I could never get back what was taken from me, I could accept what happened, turn it around, and help others. That is when my life began to change. I began to find positive ways to channel the emotions I was feeling. So for those out there who are struggling right now, I want you to know that recovery is possible. Yes, it will take time, but you will grow to be a stronger person. I have provided a list that may be helpful on your journey toward healing and recovery. I hope it helps.



Physical, Mental, and Emotional Safety

First priority is to take steps to ensure your physical, mental, and emotional safety. Make sure you are not in danger from others or yourself. This also means that you are not subjected to insensitive remarks or unwanted comments. You will need to be aware of your current emotional state and trauma symptoms. You need to secure a support system to assist you in ensuring your safety. Support systems can include a counselor, friends, online contacts, advocate, ect. Remember, you can never have enough support.



Education

Education is key in understanding what you are experiencing is normal for victims of these types of crimes. You will need to educate yourself about what has happened to you, what to expect, how it has affected others, and what your choices are. There is a lot of information online, although, some of it is not helpful and may trigger negative reactions. With that being said, there are a lot of good support systems online that can help you connect and communicate with other victims. A counselor can be very helpful in educating you about trauma symptoms and reactions. A victim's advocate can educate you about the legal process of prosecuting a sexual crime case. Education is an on going component to the healing process and what you learn may be helpful for the healing of others.



Working Phase

During this stage you will have to actively work on addressing/responding to each of your trauma symptoms, changing your surroundings to ensure safety, and learning how to move forward. In the depth of their despair the victim must find the courage to face their guilt, shame, and loss. This will be the time to learn how to regulate their emotions, combating psychological disorders that may begin to appear, and possibly have to face their perpetrators. For some, healing can occur quickly, but for most this process may take a lifetime. Victims are often frustrated when they feel they have worked through their issues only to find they resurface again. It is important for victims to continue to do the work and not lose hope. Healing will involve attention to the emotional, as well as, the physical self. As much as victims need to be understanding with themselves, they need to understand that those around them may not always know how to help them.



Moving Forward and Finding Meaning

Unfortunately, not every survivor is able to move forward. Our health care systems are inundated with adult survivors of sexual assault and abuse. That being said, many individuals are able to find the courage to move forward and restore a sense of peace and security to their lives. Many victims will never be able to fully understand how they are to make meaning out of such tragic and devastating occurrences, while some are able to use their experiences to help others as a way to find purpose in their life. Bad things happen to good people and it is possible for growth to occur from your trauma.




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