Sexual violence has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the physical harm inflicted upon its victims. One of the most significant impacts is on the victim's sense of safety in their own body, which may be compromised due to trauma and PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, fear, anxiety, and dissociation. Survivors may feel unsafe and distrustful in their relationship with themselves and their bodies, experiencing a range of emotions including shame, guilt, self-blame, and powerlessness. This can lead to a sense of detachment from one's physical sensations and needs, and difficulty feeling pleasure or intimacy during intercourse.
To help survivors reconnect with their bodies in a healthy way, somatic therapies are becoming increasingly popular. These techniques involve working with the mind-body connection through movement, touch, breathwork, and other practices that aim to promote physical awareness and regulate emotional responses. Trauma-informed yoga, for example, incorporates mindful movements, deep breathing exercises, and restorative poses designed to cultivate relaxation and reduce stress hormones in the body. Somatic Experiencing (SE) is another approach that focuses on regulating arousal levels and reducing fight/flight/freeze responses associated with trauma.
Body work therapies like massage and craniosacral therapy can also help survivors reestablish a sense of safety in their bodies by promoting a state of relaxation and increasing blood flow. Body talk therapy uses verbal communication and gentle touch to explore how the body responds to different situations, allowing survivors to learn how to recognize and manage triggers related to sexual violence. Mindfulness meditation teaches survivors to observe thoughts and feelings without judgment, helping them develop a greater understanding of their internal experience.
Somatic therapies can be powerful tools for supporting survivors of sexual violence as they work towards healing and recovery. By providing a safe and controlled environment to engage with their bodies, these techniques allow survivors to regain control over their physical sensations and reconnect with themselves in a positive way.
What are the implications of sexual violence for the survivor's sense of safety in their body, and how can somatic therapies help survivors reconnect with their bodies in a healthy way?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming the impact of sexual trauma on an individual's physical and mental well-being. The journey towards healing is often long and challenging, requiring support from friends, family, or professionals. Somatic therapy may offer a promising approach to helping survivors reconcile past experiences and regain control over their bodies.