{"id":871,"date":"2019-04-20T16:38:34","date_gmt":"2019-04-20T16:38:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.awkolaw.com\/?p=871"},"modified":"2023-06-22T21:13:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T21:13:05","slug":"help-along-the-way-resources-for-healing-from-sexual-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.awkolaw.com\/help-along-the-way-resources-for-healing-from-sexual-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Along the Way: Resources for Healing from Sexual Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

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For survivors trying to recover from sexual violence, embarking on a healing journey can be a lonely endeavor. Having been implicitly or explicitly blamed by others, survivors may feel responsible for their victimization. They often grapple with intense feelings of shame and fear. Understandably, many survivors conclude it is just too risky to disclose their abuse, and attempt to recover alone and in silence. This lonely path tends to reinforce survivors\u2019 feelings of isolation. They may engage in behaviors –\u00a0 such as substance use and dissociation \u2013 that seem to offer short-term relief. Unfortunately, these strategies ultimately compound survivors\u2019 suffering and may leave them vulnerable to re-victimization. In order to heal from sexual assault, a survivor\u2019s road to recovery must be populated by accessible individuals and organizations that offer unconditional acceptance and long-term support.<\/p>\n

The trauma of sexual violence turns survivors\u2019 worlds upside down. A report by the Orange County Rape Crisis Center and the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault suggests that sexual assault can affect every aspect of survivors\u2019 lives, including physical, emotional and sexual health, daily routines, social relationships, and religious or spiritual practices. Given the scope of sexual trauma, survivors may need to access a variety of supports to assist them in their recovery. The following resources may be utilized by sexual assault survivors at any phase of their healing journey:<\/p>\n