Sexual assault creates a lifetime of trauma for the victim. Recovery is always possible, but should never be rushed. It takes a lot to move on, and a victim should always be in control of their new mental identity. 

Denial

Victims of sexual assault should talk to a sex crimes attorney now. The longer you take to contact a professional, the more likely you’ll avoid it altogether. Denial is a big part of the trauma that will always have a negative impact on your will to fight.

For some victims, denial is a great way to stay in a safe place after the attack. By not acknowledging it, they gain a bit of control over the situation. Although this control is an illusion, it can be infinitely powerful when you don’t want to process a traumatic event. Loved ones and friends don’t understand this mindset, and it will lead to a lot of misunderstandings or arguments. 

People Wear on You

Fallouts are common when sexual assault trauma sets in. The people around you want to help, but the lack of space is suffocating. They become a constant reminder of a moment that you are currently trying to forget. Once again, another individual is trying to control a situation without your consent. 

It’s an unavoidable truth, but strict boundaries need to be set after sexual assault. A hug isn’t just a hug anymore as personal space becomes critical. It’s great that people want to help, but it’s also important that you put ground rules in place. Rules aren’t meant to be rude; they are meant to prevent helpful people from being overwhelming. 

The Threat is Always There

No matter how many mental walls you put up, there is no way to outrun sexual trauma without closure. Anything that triggers a memory of the traumatic event will snatch the victim out of reality. Sometimes the triggers don’t make sense, and small noises can be the biggest threat. It is a walking nightmare without an actual physical presence. 

Having the attacker put in jail helps, but removing the actual threat from your mental state is an entirely different story. When threats can be anything familiar, your reaction to it changes how you interact with the world. Again, closure is the best way to neutralize the threat portion of trauma. 

Retaliation

The top fear of any victim is that they will suffer retaliation when bringing the attacker to court. Extra trauma can be inflicted when the victim has to face their attacker face to face. Often, this is the first time the two see each other after the initial attack. Preparation helps, as the courtroom is a controlled setting that empowers the victim. No matter which way the judgement swings, meeting an attacker in court can remove a lot of fear and trauma. 

Create A New You

Instead of trying to rush back into society, let it all come naturally. Sexual trauma is real, violent and can change how you see the world. Instead of feeling like a lost soul, become a person that is stronger from the experience.