Not one of these trauma responses invalidates allegations of sexual assault or abuse. Each simply reflects how different nervous systems respond to stress, in this case per sexual trauma.

The hardest conversations aren't always the ones we have with therapists, friends, or family. They're the ones we have with ourselves. And, solitude creates room for those conversations.

If someone can convince themselves that a victimized person made a mistake, then they can believe they would be protected by making different choices. This is a false belief.

ASMR isn’t a treatment for trauma, nor does it replace professional mental services like therapy. However, it can be a valuable tool to help regulate the nervous system.

Acceptance doesn’t mean approval. It doesn’t mean forgiveness. It doesn't mean forgetting what may be the worst thing we’ve ever endured. Acceptance simply means acknowledging reality.

While disclosure is not a cure-all, speaking the truth out loud can be one of the most powerful acts of healing that may help lead to recovery. Disclosure breaks isolation. It interrupts the belief that we must carry everything alone.

There comes a moment in recovering when we, survivors of sexual violence, face a difficult truth: Pain may explain part of our lived experiences, but it does not have to become our entire identity.

When reporting to police, try to provide as much detail as you can remember, including the time, location, and any information about the offender(s). It is okay if you cannot remember everything immediately.

Trauma doesn’t stay contained in memory. It affects the body. And, when trauma is unacknowledged, that connection is often missed.

While some impacts of sexual violence are widely understood, many are not. And it’s those overlooked effects that can quietly shape a victimized person’s health for years.

We shouldn’t have to organize our lives around the constant possibility of being violated... Instead, we should be building a culture where all people are consistently socialized to not commit harm.

There is strength in facing discomfort, in sitting with uncertainty, and in embracing the gradual processes of healing and recovery.

Recovery begins when we gently allow ourselves to be seen again. First we see ourselves, and then, when ready, we allow others we trust to see us.

Moving away from merely existing and toward truly living means that we start to address the trauma caused by the predator(s) and the sexual violence they committed against us.

Don’t ever think that any of us are too small or weak or unknown to create meaningful societal change. We can start in our own daily lives.

Unfortunately, we’re not educated on the possible harms done to the pelvic floor and medical professionals only go by what they can see [and prove] - not assessing for possibility of unseen damage.

Having goals to achieve is important because it can help us focus on two things that we lose sight of after being attacked: the value we hold and the positive aspects of our lives.

Instead of focusing on mourning, we could celebrate surviving another year. This could look like having cake with candles…

Getting on a healthy path of wellness after victimization isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. And, it’s worth it because every single one of us is worth it.

Understanding how predators are created does not excuse their actions, but it does provide insight into prevention.