Sexual Assault Survivorship Blog
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We Can Survive This
Getting and remaining on the path of wellness requires us to wake up everyday, be true to our wants and needs, and acknowledge all of our feelings. We can do it. We can survive this.
Victims to Survivors
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.
Safety #2: Why Children Won't Disclose SA
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.
How Your Words Harm Trauma Survivors
We want to close the gap between sexual assault survivors and supporters to improve relationships. One way we’re doing this is through specific education that increases your comfort and allows you to be a better supporter.
Ways to Improve Everyday Life
Gaining 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.
Safety #1: Understanding Sexual Violence
You 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.
How We Can Stand Ourselves Back Up
Working after sexual assault is challenging, and for many, taking extended time off isn’t an option. However, we can reclaim our power and prioritize both our well-being and livelihoods.
Take Back Control
Ending 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.
How the Legal System Fails Survivors
The 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.
How to be a Safe Space
It’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.
How to Not Promote Victim Blaming
Society’s mindset about sexual assault enables the increased frequency of victimization to grow while preventing perpetrators from facing justice.
Navigating Survivor Safety
In 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.
2024 Recipient: Mel Jane
Mel Jane is a quiet gladiator who strategically fights against sexual violence and those who commit this type of crime. Her most recent initiative is to create and implement a Child Sex Offender Registry in her home of Australia.
2024 Recipient: Jeremy Indika
Jeremy Indika pivoted into activism after seeking accountability from the man who sexually abused him as a child. Equipped with his strong ability to engage audiences, he's become a top voice in the United Kingdom who speaks out against the sexual abuse of children.
2024 Crucial Point Award Recipients
The 2024 GOTU Crucial Point Award Recipients are great people who are being recognized for their outstanding grassroots efforts in advancing the fight against sexual assault and abuse.
The Stress of Hypervigilance
For 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.
7 Immediate Actions to Take After a Rape
There 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.