All it takes is one voice. One voice to make everyone feel empowered enough to have their own voice. With the new wave of allegations, we are finding that sexual assault victims are finding their voice through each other. They have been empowered with truth. Over the last several months, we have found that people of power have been taking advantage of those below them. Anywhere from T.V. personalities to big directors to politicians, the wave has hit every community. However, it is not about the people that have done it. We need to focus on the victims and their closure. They need all available options, because the trauma is something that is often unbearable.
Some questions that are frequently asked include: how do I report a sexual assault? How do I get help afterwards? Is it normal to feel the way I am feeling?
How do I cope with this? In addition, often people will find themselves completely lost within the trauma. Losing touch of who they are and their being. They no longer feel like their existence is real. Often it traumatizes them so horribly that they cannot even have any sort of contact without feeling hurt again.
In a study done by RAINN, every 98 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. Women and girls tend to experience it more, but men experience it as well. More often than not, we find that people do not report it. This is due to things like fear or even lack of motivation.
The Rape Recovery center, a location that specializes in the progressive help of victims, says, “The mission of the Rape Recovery Center is to empower those victimized by sexual violence through advocacy, crisis intervention, and therapy and to educate the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.” They provide a 24-hour crisis line, 801-467-7273, and services that include personal therapy and group therapy that involves activities. You can find all of their information at this link: https://www.raperecoverycenter.org/.
It is important to recognize and take action towards the things that make you uncomfortable. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your wellbeing. Your voice is within you and you have the right to be heard. You have to speak out about it before the damage in your mind can no longer be fixed. Giving yourself mental and physical closure is key. In order to do this, you have to take the appropriate steps to cope. First, notify the police and deal with that situation accordingly. Second, sexual assault victims find that they lose any sort of life or hope in life. What to do with that is get professional help. Lastly, if you are not yet ready to go to the police, speak to someone you trust.
This journey is not one to travel alone. Make sure the things that are the most important in your life surround you.