Recovering from sexual assault or abuse is a process that looks different for everyone. There’s no timetable for healing - it may take weeks, months, or years – but there are steps you can take to begin the process.
Seeking therapy can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing. Ask a therapist about their experience working with survivors of sexual assault and how they’ve helped them overcome issues specific to this kind of trauma. You may be able to work with a therapist for a defined amount of time to help you find ways to recover from sexual violence.
Telling a loved one about sexual assault can help but can also be challenging. It isn’t for everyone and deciding to tell your story doesn’t mean you have to share every detail. It can be in-person, over the phone, or in the form of a letter. If you feel safe, it’s best to choose a private place for the conversation but if you fear they might become angry or violent, a public location would be safer and you could ask someone you trust to come with you.
Self-care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault. Good physical health will support you, so look for ways to improve sleep, eat well and find activities that make you feel energized. Emotional self-care could include journaling your thoughts, practicing meditation or looking for authors or a website to provide inspiration for you.
Be careful about watching movies or TV or seeing news stories that depict sexual assault, incest and child sexual abuse. Pay attention to warnings in reviews or other stories about a movie or television program. Remember that these depictions of sexual violence often leave out the most critical part, which is the healing process.
