Healing Resources

After sexual assault, all facets of you deserve the attention and patience to heal. A holistic approach ensures that all parts of us can thrive after experiencing trauma.

I was that sad girl because of the rape and trauma that had impacted me. I felt so hopeless. I even altered my name to pretend to be someone else. I had lost trust in everyone and thought that they were going to harm me just like the perpetrator did, I knew him well too.

As a survivor, we often feel alone in our pain and suffering. This sense of loneliness may lead to depression, withdrawal, or self-harm. It’s important to remember that we are not alone and that there are systems of support available to help us heal.

When it comes to children, you as the parent are the first level of support and that sometimes can feel like a daunting task. Beginning to care for your child’s mental health begins with knowing your child and what their “normal” looks like. Use that as a basis to understand and appreciate their uniqueness.

There is no instruction manual for dealing with trauma, but there are ways to ensure the child feels safe and heard. If you suspect that a child has experienced sexual abuse, here are some healthy steps that you can take to begin healing.

It’s not always easy to spot signs of child sexual abuse, and there may be instances where you are uncertain whether or not it is happening. But listening and trusting your parental instincts is the key. If you are not sure whether your child has experienced sexual abuse, here are some warning signs that may help.

One day, my pastor spoke on supporting the broken. This message struck my core. Is this not what the church was meant for? I summoned all the courage left in my tiny body to tell my pastor what I had been subjected to by my perpetrators. He asked me if I screamed or if I have told anyone since. I took a deep breath and simply said no. He firmly and loudly told me that I must have wanted it, pronouncing his judgment against me.

By learning how to best care for your child and growing a strong support network, you will be able to move towards healing with your child. This intention and standard must begin with you in the home. If you are reading this right now, you are taking a huge step in the right direction.

“I am a survivor.” The first time I said those words out loud, I felt a mixture of relief and immense pain. I remember not wanting to elaborate any further, as just thinking about it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Imagine sex being introduced to you as a violation of your body at age five, and then being told you had imagined it!