Survivors of sexual violence often face significant emotional challenges that may persist for years after the traumatic event. These emotions include feelings of shame, guilt, fear, anger, sadness, hopelessness, isolation, and numbness. They may also experience difficulty trusting others, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The long-term effects can be so profound that they affect all aspects of life, including work, relationships, and self-esteem.
Survivors can reclaim their sense of agency and desire through various strategies.
One strategy is to seek professional help from qualified mental health providers who specialize in treating trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help survivors identify negative thoughts and beliefs associated with the trauma and replace them with more positive ones. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can alleviate symptoms of PTSD and other related conditions. Other therapies such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) can teach skills to manage difficult emotions and improve coping abilities.
Another strategy is to connect with supportive friends, family members, or community groups. Survivors should avoid isolation by participating in social activities and finding ways to feel safe and supported. This could involve joining a group for survivors, attending counseling sessions together, or simply spending time with loved ones. Finding a hobby or activity one enjoys can provide an escape from the past while connecting with others.
It's also important for survivors to prioritize self-care. This means engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or exercise. It involves getting enough sleep, eating well, and practicing mindfulness. Avoiding drugs and alcohol can reduce feelings of numbness and despair. Prioritizing safety measures, such as locking doors and carrying personal alarms, can help mitigate future risks of sexual violence.
For some survivors, reclaiming agency may mean redefining their sense of sexuality and intimacy. They might pursue individual therapy or join support groups dedicated to discussing these topics. Reading books on healthy relationships or watching media portrayals of consensual sex can inspire new perspectives. Some choose to explore their own boundaries through solo masturbation or experimentation with partners. Whatever approach they take, it's essential to seek pleasure without shame or guilt.
Survivors who wish to reclaim desire may consider exploring fantasies and desires without judgment. They may find pleasure in activities that don't necessarily involve intercourse or partnered sex, such as massage, bondage, roleplay, or erotic fiction. Others might work towards reconnecting with their bodies, starting with simple touch experiments and gradually building up to more complex forms of sensory stimulation.
Survivors must give themselves permission to set boundaries and refuse unwanted advances, even if this causes discomfort or conflict.
Sexual violence leaves long-lasting emotional effects that can affect all aspects of life. Survivors can regain control over their lives by seeking professional support, prioritizing self-care, connecting with loved ones, and exploring sexuality with intention. With time, patience, and effort, they can create a fulfilling and meaningful post-traumatic life.
What are the lasting emotional effects of sexual violence, and how can survivors reclaim their sense of agency and desire?
Sexual violence has many lasting effects on its victims, including feelings of shame, guilt, isolation, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may struggle with intimacy, trust, and self-esteem, and often feel like they have lost control over their bodies and lives.