AI: Working Through Social Isolation and Withdrawal
At GOTU, we believe that consideration for survivorship of sexual violence mut be included 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 Perplexity AI.
Defining Isolation and Withdrawal
Isolation refers to the emotional and physical distance survivors create between themselves and others. Withdrawal manifests as avoiding social interactions, suppressing emotions, or numbing oneself to cope. For many survivors, this stems from feelings of shame (“Did I cause this?”), fear (“Will anyone believe me?”), confusion (“How did this happen to me?”, or self-blame (“I should have fought harder”). Offenders often exploit these emotions to silence victims, reinforcing their isolation through threats (of physical harm for the victim or the victim’s loved ones) or manipulation (distorting facts). As noted by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, shame and fear become tools that bind survivors to silence, making them feel “crazy”, “dirty” or “broken” compared to others.
Impacts of Isolation and Withdrawal
Isolation exacerbates the mental health consequences of suffering sexual violence:
Mental health decline: Survivors face higher risks of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Flashbacks, hypervigilance, and nightmares become harder to manage alone, often leading to emotional numbness or dissociation.
Strained relationships: Withdrawal can erode trust in others, making intimacy feel unsafe. Survivors may struggle to reconnect with partners, friends, or family, fearing vulnerability.
Self-destructive behaviors: Isolation often correlates with substance abuse, eating disorders, or self-harm as survivors seek ways to cope.
Delayed healing: Avoidance prevents survivors from processing trauma, trapping them in cycles of guilt and loneliness.
Research shows that 94% of survivors experience PTSD symptoms shortly after assault, and prolonged isolation can cement these challenges.
How to Get Help
Breaking free from isolation is critical. Here are steps survivors can take:
Reach out to trusted support: Confide in a friend, family member, or therapist. As HelpGuide.org emphasizes, connection counteracts shame and helplessness.
Join a support group: Peer-led groups (in-person or online) reduce feelings of loneliness. Sharing experiences with others who understand can validate emotions and foster hope.
Seek trauma-informed therapy: Therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) help process trauma safely.
Practice self-compassion: Healing isn’t linear. Small steps—like journaling, creative expression, physical exercise, or mindfulness—can rebuild a sense of control.
Set boundaries: Gradually re-engage socially at your own pace. It’s okay to say “no” to situations that feel overwhelming.
Why Overcoming Isolation Matters
Isolation reinforces the power dynamics of abuse, leaving survivors feeling trapped in the effects of the trauma. Breaking the feeling of being trapped is necessary for helping ensure a healthier survivorship journey. This effort looks like reconnecting with support systems to:
Restore agency: Healing thrives in environments where survivors feel heard and believed.
Reduce PTSD symptoms: Social support is linked to lower rates of chronic PTSD and depression.
Rebuild trust: Healthy relationships remind survivors that love and safety are possible.
Empower advocacy: Many survivors find purpose in helping others, transforming pain into resilience.
Conclusion
Isolation after sexual assault is a survival response, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By seeking connection and professional help, survivors can reclaim their lives. Healing is not about erasing the past but rebuilding a future where loneliness no longer defines them. If you’re struggling, remember: You deserve support, understanding, and a life beyond survival.
Disclaimer: This blog post was written with the use of Perplexity AI (June 2025), a 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.