Recovery After Violence
Recovering From Sexual Assault
Long-Term Recovery
Survivors often fear that they will never be the same after a sexual assault. A goal of long-term recovery is to integrate the assault into your life so that it is not a driving force affecting your behaviors, feelings, thoughts, or relationships. Although the memory may always be difficult and uncomfortable, it is possible to be less affected by it as time goes by. Most survivors take some time to recover, but almost all DO eventually recover and are able to move on with their lives. It is normal, however, to experience some depression following the assault, and you may find yourself getting upset or frightened when something reminds you of the assault (e.g., TV shows, movies, yelling or arguments, a sexual experience, even if it is consensual, seeing someone who looks like the perpetrator). Ongoing therapy, support groups , and help from friends and family can all assist you in dealing with these feelings.
Some survivors also find it healing to get involved in programs such as training to be an advocate at a sexual assault counseling program such as the Rape Victims Advocates (RVA) or becoming part of the University's Peer Education Program (Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention). Working to prevent rape and help other victims become survivors can be healing and help with your own recovery.
It is important to remember that there is no one right way to heal from a sexual assault and that different people recover in different ways. You should find the sources of support and help that are comfortable for you.
