How to Heal From Sexual Assault

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you are most likely dealing with mixed emotions and feelings. It is normal for an individual who has been sexually assaulted to feel scared, depressed, or even angry. Healing from a sexual assault will take time because it was such a traumatic event but just know that it can be done.

• Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. You will be able to speak with a live counselor. The counselor will listen to anything that you want to say about what happened or how you are feeling and will offer support and great advice. You do not have to give out your name to the counselor and you can choose to remain anonymous.


• Talk to someone you know and trust. If you have a friend or family member that you can confide in about your feelings, you should do so. Talking about how you feel is one of the best ways to cope with the mixed emotions and feelings.


• Make an appointment to receive counseling. After being put through something so traumatic, you can truly benefit from counseling. You can search for counselors in or around your area that can work with you to help you overcome these feelings. You may also be able to receive free counseling from a rape crisis center.


• Remind yourself everyday that this was not your fault. In many sexual assault situations, the victim tends to blame themselves. Do not blame yourself and understand that this is not something that you deserved to have happen to you.


• File charges against the individual who hurt you. You may feel a sense of relief in putting them behind bars. Do not be afraid to report the person who sexually assaulted you.