Sexual Assault Recovery
Recovery does not mean that you forget what happened.
Recovery is:
- being able to understand and believe that the victimization was not your fault.
- accepting the reality of what has happened, while moving beyond the immobilizing emotions which can dominate your thoughts, words, and actions.
- believing in your future goals and your day-to-day achievements.
- celebrating the positive aspects of your life.
- being able to enjoy sleeping, eating, and sexual pleasures as you did before the assault.
- being able to trust and believe in your choices and judgments.
There is no one right way to heal. The recovery process is different for everyone.
Some suggestions for recovery:
- find a support group for sexual assault survivors.
- seek out professional personal counseling.
- talk with trusted friends and family.
- educate yourself and your support network about sexual assault. (see our resources page)
- be patient, remind yourself that it is alright for you to feel these emotions, they are normal reactions to an abnormal and traumatic event.
- call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 or Carbon County Helpline at 425-2222.
- attend a training to be a Sexual Assault Advocate.
adapted from Turning Point Services
