Sexual assault is a devastating event that can have lasting effects on victims' mental health. One of the ways it affects people's lives is through the development of negative attitudes towards authority figures, including police officers, medical professionals, and even friends and family members. This shift in perception can lead to an increased sense of vulnerability and distrust, which may prevent survivors from seeking help when needed. Trauma-informed therapy can play a crucial role in rebuilding trust between individuals and authority figures and facilitating healing. In this article, we will explore how survivors experience emotional shifts related to their feelings of distrust and vulnerability after experiencing sexual violence and what trauma-informed therapy has to offer.
Emotional Responses to Authority Figures
After experiencing sexual violence, many survivors develop negative attitudes towards authority figures due to fear or mistrust.
Some survivors may avoid seeking medical care because they do not want to interact with doctors who they perceive as potential perpetrators. Others may be afraid to report the crime to law enforcement out of concern for retaliation or lack of support.
Many victims struggle with feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and powerlessness, leading them to question whether anyone can truly help them. These attitudes are often reinforced by previous experiences of betrayal or abuse and may make it difficult for survivors to form new relationships based on trust.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Rebuilding Trust
Trauma-informed therapy is a treatment approach that recognizes the impact of traumatic events on an individual's mental health. It emphasizes safety, choice, collaboration, transparency, and empowerment, allowing clients to regain control over their lives. This approach can help survivors of sexual assault work through their negative perceptions of authority figures and rebuild trust. Clients learn to identify triggers and cope with feelings of distress in safe, supported environments, gradually building confidence and resilience. They also explore ways to communicate effectively and assertively while practicing self-care techniques such as breathing exercises and grounding strategies. Through this process, survivors can begin to view themselves as strong, capable individuals who deserve respect and support from others.
Sexual violence can have devastating effects on survivors' mental health, including shifts in their emotional responses towards authority figures. Trauma-informed therapy provides a framework for healing and restoring trust between individuals and those they perceive as potential perpetrators. By exploring past trauma, developing coping skills, and establishing boundaries, victims can reclaim agency and autonomy in their lives, moving forward with hope and purpose.