Recovering from Sexual Violence

Recovering from a sexual assault or abuse is a process, and that process looks different for everyone. It may take weeks, months, or years—there’s no timetable for healing. Below you’ll find some resources to help you navigate the process.

For Survivors

How Can Therapy Help? - If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.
Safety Planning - Brainstorming ways to stay safe may help reduce the risk of future harm.
Telling Loved Ones About Sexual Assault - It can be hard to talk about an experience with sexual violence, and sometimes it may feel most daunting to bring it up with people you are closest to. Here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself before telling someone, tips to help prepare for the conversation, and ways to cope with unhelpful reactions if they occur.
Self-Care After Trauma - Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.
Tips for Survivors on Consuming Media - Movies and TV shows that show sexual assault, incest, and child sexual abuse can be very difficult for survivors to watch.
Airport Security for Survivors - Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.

For Loved Ones

Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault - It’s not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, especially if they are a friend or family member.
Help Someone You Care About - There are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who has been affected by sexual violence.
Self-Care for Friends and Family - There is no normal or "right" way to react when you find out that someone you care about has survived an act of sexual violence. Regardless of what you’re feeling, these emotions can be intense and difficult to deal with.
Help for Parents of Children Who Have Been Sexually Abused by Family Members - It’s important to find a way to manage your feelings, so you can focus on creating a safe environment for your child that is free from harm, judgment, and blame.