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.

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.

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

Unsafe people are everywhere, not just lurking in dark corners or fitting some obvious "stranger danger" physical stereotype. In fact, the most dangerous individuals often present themselves as friendly, charming, and deeply empathetic.

Because the burden of proof rests entirely on the state, “innocent until proven guilty” creates a maze of roadblocks and loopholes that allow predators to reoffend again and again. And, this has to stop.

Whether you are a survivor or an ally, working together to create safe, informed, and compassionate communities can transform survivorship from a fight for survival into a journey of empowerment and hope.

Experience trauma can cause issues with our digestive tracks. Digesting foods and beverages can be difficult and the wrong foods can make us sick. In this week’s blog, we’re sharing how to potentially ease this difficulty.

The brutal truth is that the world doesn’t stop for survivors. We’re expected to continue to be “socially acceptable” while trying to function despite the trauma. In this week’s blog, we’re sharing helpful ways to feel safe engaging with our bodies and maintain good hygiene.

Successful care for those of us with suicidal ideation requires the support and help from a licensed, trauma informed mental health professional. In this week’s blog post, we break down what suicidal ideation is and why it’s important to seek help.

Although somatic flashbacks can make us feel hopeless about the present and future, there is a way for us to get control of them. It is possible for us to regain control of our lives and happiness.

Silence allows for the false beliefs about sexual violence to persist. It also leaves the door open for people to be victimized and not receive the proper care or support. It’s time we move away from silence.

We’re not crazy. We’re not making anything up. We’re not helpless. We’re managing trauma.

Centering feelings of boys and men, the same way we do with girls and women, may help us see them differently…as victimized persons. The only question is, “How do we start?”

Some mental health professionals believe that ASMR helps combat effects of [sexual assault] trauma, such as feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. We’ve dug into the topic.

The most important thing a sexual assault survivor supporter can do is to know how to be present without judgment or expectation. Here’s how you can do it.

Therapy teaches participants how to survive the violence in a way that doesn’t require us to abandon ourselves. In fact, a good therapist teaches us how to tap into our authentic selves.

We own our stories. Despite there having been disruption by criminals who chose to violate us, we own our stories. We determine who we are in this and future moments. We are in control of our lives.

The initial thought, as a parent, is that children will disclose when they have been harmed. Unfortunately, this is not true. Children (not matter their age) will only disclose when they feel safe to do so. Here’s how you can help.