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.
Read MoreSuccessful 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.
Read MoreAlthough 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.
Read MoreSilence 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.
Read MoreWe’re not crazy. We’re not making anything up. We’re not helpless. We’re managing trauma.
Read MoreCentering 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?”
Read MoreSome 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreTherapy 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.
Read MoreWe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreGaining control of our bodies and learning how to manage the effects is key to ensuring our wellness. Below are simple actions we can take to help improve our survivorship journeys and set the foundation for us to thrive.
Read MoreYou are the first line of defense in protecting your children - physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially - from sexual abuse. This means educating yourself to reduce risks and creating an environment where they feel safe to speak up if something goes wrong.
Read MoreEnding sexual violence starts with dismantling the barriers that sustain it. Change begins at home, ripples through communities, and can transform the world. You have the power to make a difference.
Read MoreThe justice system presumes innocence until guilt is proven. As survivors of sexually violent crimes, many of us know our perpetrators. But until systemic change occurs, survivors will continue to be let down by the system.
Read MoreIt’s easy to think of yourself as a safe space, but you may be unintentionally causing harm. In this post, we’ll explore how to better support others and be more trustworthy.
Read MoreSociety’s mindset about sexual assault enables the increased frequency of victimization to grow while preventing perpetrators from facing justice.
Read MoreIn a world where the shadow of sexual violence looms, maintaining safety from predators is not just crucial—it's a vital part of a healthy survivorship journey.
Read MoreFor survivors of sexual assault, hypervigilance can become our default setting. It’s not just about being cautious; it’s about living in a state of perpetual anxiety and fear. While hypervigilance is a natural protective response for victimized persons, it often has detrimental effects on survivors. The good news is that hypervigilance does not have to be a permanent condition.
Read MoreThere currently isn’t much, if any, information about what a victimized person can do to get help. So, the GOTU team compiled a sequential list of steps you can help a newly victimized person take to better ensure post-rape care.
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