AI: Rebuilding Trust After Assault
At GOTU, we believe that consideration for sexual assault (aka sexual violation) survivorship must be baked into everyday resources and technologies. The emergence in popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) led us to research some of the top tools and co-author information regarding this serious matter. Information in this post is per OpenAI’s ChatGPT v3.5.
Survivorship Issue:
Trust issues are a common and challenging aspect of the survivorship journey for many individuals who have experienced sexual assault. The betrayal of trust inherent in the assault can shatter a survivor's sense of safety and security, leading to difficulties in trusting others, oneself, and the world at large. Rebuilding trust is a crucial step in the healing process for survivors, but it can be a daunting and complex journey.
Definition of the Issue:
Trust issues stemming from sexual assault manifest as a deep-seated fear of vulnerability and betrayal. Survivors may struggle to trust others, fearing that they will be hurt or betrayed again. They may also have difficulty trusting their own instincts and judgments, leading to feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Trust issues can profoundly impact all aspects of a survivor's life, including relationships, work, and daily functioning inside and outside of the home.
Impacts of the Issue:
The impacts of trust issues resulting from sexual assault are far-reaching and profound. Survivors may experience heightened anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance in social situations. They may sabotage or prematurely end relationships out of fear of being hurt again. Trust issues can also manifest as difficulties in forming and maintaining intimate connections, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Moreover, trust issues can erode a survivor's sense of self-worth and identity. Survivors may blame themselves for their inability to trust or feel ashamed of their perceived weaknesses. This self-doubt and self-blame can perpetuate a vicious cycle of mistrust and isolation, hindering the survivor's ability to heal and move forward with their lives.
How to Get Help with the Issue:
Seeking help and support is essential for survivors struggling with trust issues. Therapists and counselors trained in trauma-informed care can provide a safe and supportive space for survivors to explore and address their trust issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy are effective therapeutic approaches for rebuilding trust and enhancing interpersonal relationships.
In addition to therapy, joining support groups or connecting with other survivors can offer validation, understanding, and solidarity. Building a support network of trusted friends, family members, or mentors can also provide valuable emotional support and guidance. It is important for survivors to know that healing from trust issues is possible with time, patience, and commitment to self-care and self-compassion.
Importance of Overcoming the Issue:
Overcoming trust issues is a vital step in the healing journey of sexual assault survivors. By learning to trust again, survivors can reclaim their sense of agency and autonomy. Rebuilding trust allows survivors to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships based on mutual respect, communication, and empathy. It also enables survivors to develop a more positive and hopeful outlook on life, free from the constraints of fear and mistrust.
Moreover, overcoming trust issues is not only beneficial for the individual survivor but also for their relationships and communities. It fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and support for survivors, challenging harmful myths and stereotypes surrounding sexual assault. By rebuilding trust, survivors can pave the way for healing, resilience, and social change.
In conclusion, trust issues resulting from sexual assault survivorship are a significant and challenging aspect of the healing journey. However, with support, understanding, and self-compassion, survivors can navigate through their trust issues and reclaim their sense of safety and security. Overcoming trust issues is a crucial step towards healing and empowerment, both for the individual survivor and for society as a whole.
Disclaimer: This blog post was written with the use of ChatGPT v3.5, an OpenAI chat bot and virtual assistant that uses learning language models (LLMs). Content in this post is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice or consultation with healthcare professionals. Seek the advice of medical, trauma informed and/or other health care professionals regarding any condition or treatment and never disregard or delay treatment because of content that has been either read or seen on this website.