Sexual trauma – Surviving and thriving after assault

Every 74 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, and approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault survivors experience moderate to severe distress following their incident, according to the Department of Justice.

Clinical therapist Lilena Walker, PhD, AMFT, defines sexual assault as any experience where a person's body is violated. The law says it can include everything from verbal harassment to rape or other physical violations of a person's body.

After a sexual assault, survivors might experience a range of feelings and emotions and find themselves struggling to return to life as they know it. While long-term recovery following a sexual assault can be challenging and even a lifelong journey, Walker offers valuable guidance on how to survive and thrive following a sexual assault.

Take care of your emotional and mental health

Violation of a person's body can have detrimental effects on one's overall wellbeing. "We treat a lot of patients dealing with self-esteem issues, body dysmorphia, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as a result of their sexual trauma," Walker says.

Therapy may be an invaluable resource for survivors of sexual assault, as it can help survivors peel back the layers of their experience. Journaling is also a great remedy for those in recovery, according to Walker, as it can help survivors express their raw emotions and reduce stress. Caring for your emotional and mental health can also include simple practices such as breathing mindfully and doing things you enjoy, such as painting or watching a comforting TV show.

Prioritize your physical wellbeing

Caring for your physical wellbeing is pivotal in recovery, according to Walker. Physical self-care can look like repeating meaningful affirmations about your physical body, putting rest over productivity, and staying nourished and hydrated.

"While caring for your physical wellbeing may seem like a basic step, it can be easy to miss when in recovery," Walker says. "Sexual assault can cause you to feel like your body is not valuable, leading to self-neglect and self-harming behavior. Caring for your physical health helps restore comfort in your body and help remind you of your intrinsic value."

Have a solid support system

Recovering from sexual trauma is not best done alone. Having a support system can improve social connectedness and buffer the distress that usually follows a sexual trauma experience. "You don't need a lot of people, it's quality over quantity," Walker says. "It's about having trustworthy, dependable people in your corner that will lend a listening ear and be there when you need it most."

Support groups are also a great idea for those recovering from sexual trauma. According to the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NCCASA), participating in group healing is one of the most effective ways to recover from sexual violence. Support groups allow survivors to receive comfort, support, and community through their shared experiences with others.

Find strength in spiritual guidance and care

As a Christian faith-based organization, Loma Linda University Health supports whole-person care, and this includes spiritual health. According to Walker, some patients with the best recovery prognosis are those with strong spiritual lives.

"Even in the most difficult moments, they still find meaning in their pain."

Resources

Walker recommends these resources for survivors of sexual assault or rape.

• RAINN.org - An anti-sexual violence nonprofit that provides 24/7 crisis support along with other preventative and educational resources

• JoyfulHeartFoundation.org - Sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse nonprofit focusing on survivor healing and justice.

"Recovery can be hard," she says, "but following these tips can help you not only survive after sexual violence but thrive."

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual violence, our Behavioral Health team is committed to providing personalized, comprehensive, compassionate care, ensuring you recover. Call us today at 909-558-9275 or visit our website here.