The Mighty Phoenix

The Mighty Phoenix

Statistics show that one in three women will be raped in their lifetime. It is likely that either you or someone you know has already been affected by the trauma of sexual assault.

There are steps you can take if you have been a victim of sexual assault. Often these steps can help you to regain your sense of control and facilitate in the healing process.

1. Tell someone. Go to a safe place where people can give you emotional support. Report the crime to the police.

2. Go to a hospital. See a doctor immediately for treatment of any injuries and for other tests that can provide important medical evidence. Don't bathe, shower, douche or change clothes before seeing the doctor. If you do you will destroy evidence needed to help you get a conviction if you decide to press charges against your attacker.

3. Seek counseling. A professional therapist can help you regain trust, be supportive and help you regain your self-esteem.

4. Remember you are not alone. Your local rape crisis center, hospital, attorney or therapist can put you in touch with a support group. Talking to others in a similar situation can be a tremendous support and help aid in your healing.

Sexual assault is a violent and intrusive act and many people feel the affects of the trauma years after an attack. Some indications that you may still be having difficulty moving past a sexual assault include:

oEating disorders
o Continued anxiety
o Panic attacks
o Frequent flashbacks
o Continued helplessness
o Sleep difficulties/insomnia
o Social withdrawal
o Reluctance to leave the house
o Easily startled/on edge very jumpy
o Difficulty forming intimate relationships
o Sexual dysfunction
o Crying spells and/or anxiety attacks

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms and you suspect it may be related to a past sexual assault, you should seek professional help. Find someone you trust and feel you can open up to and talk to them about what you have gone through.

The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network is available 24-hours a day anywhere in the U.S. at
1-800-656-HOPE. This network puts you in contact with your local sexual assault center which provides confidential counseling and support for survivors of sexual assault past or present.

Links:

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Sue William Silverman

Eating Disorder Center of California

Isaiah chapter 12 verse 2
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Hebrews Chapter 13 verse 6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

I will NOT be silent anymore...Children are our future and we need to do what we can to protect them from falling victim to the same violent crime...That is why we must stand up for ourselves and let what happened to us be known...so we can hopefully stop it from happening again to another innocent child...
Marie Waldrep