Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
As we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it's crucial to shine a light on the pervasive issue of sexual assault and its profound impact on victims. Sexual assault, defined as any unwanted sexual contact or act committed without consent, encompasses a range of violations from groping to rape. It's a form of violence that leaves lasting scars, both physical and emotional.
The National Center for Victims of Crime underscores the various forms sexual assault can take, emphasizing that it includes any non-consensual sexual contact. Consent, a fundamental principle, must be freely given by individuals who are capable of providing it.
Sexual assault have profound and lasting consequences on the health of its victims, both psychologically and physically.
Psychologically, survivors experience a range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation. They may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, impacting their self-esteem and relationships. Physically, sexual assault can result in injuries, sexually transmitted infections, chronic pain, reproductive health issues, and increased risk of substance abuse and chronic diseases.
Sexual assault can also carry significant economic consequences for victims. They typically face financial burdens such as medical expenses, therapy fees, and loss of income due to an inability to work. These economic challenges compound the trauma of sexual assault, creating barriers to healing and recovery.
Beyond the immediate impact, victims confront a host of social and legal challenges. From facing stigma, blame, and disbelief from friends, family, and the community, victims are often subjected to further trauma and humiliation. Systemic discrimination embedded within legal systems exacerbate the plight of victims, influencing the handling of sexual assault cases, resulting in unequal treatment and a lack of accountability for perpetrators.
Negative social responses and institutional barriers prevent victims from receiving justice and support, perpetuating a culture of silence and impunity.
As we raise awareness this month, let's stand in solidarity with victims, amplify their voices, and work towards a future where every individual can live free from fear and harm 💛
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@Mya000 😥😥😥
@Tinywhisper11 Sending you lots of support and hugs Tiny 💗 Don't hesitate to reach out whenever you need some extra support or just someone to listen.
@Mya000 thanks mya ❤❤
S.A is so important to speak on, not many understand how difficult it is to deal with Sexual Trauma. Developing Sexual PTSD is very much a thing and it is not spoken about enough, thank you for bringing up content to bring awareness to the situation and healing for those like myself to feel less alone
Sadly how it's not talked about much from people feeling scared to come out or from judgment.
I confined into my mom on something that happened and she told me how S.A. isn't a big deal and to have just dealt with it or ignored it.
@DancingPanda777 I'm so sorry to hear that you didn't receive the support you needed from your mom. It's incredibly disheartening when someone we trust doesn't understand the gravity of what we've been through. You deserve compassion and empathy, and I'm here to offer my support however I can. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk ❤️
Idk. Im doing okay for now just going through a legal battle through it all actually. Yeah had witnesses and people on my side for my mom to be like,
"it's in your head"
"Friends/coworkers don't count as witnesses"
"Who cares about that stuff?"
She cared more about me having a job than what I've had to deal with or experienced.
clock struck on 2024 and my whole family agreed with my mom. I proved evidence of S.A. and it wasnt good enough so i no longer have my brothers or mom
@Mya000
@DancingPanda777 I'm truly sorry to hear about what you're going through. It's incredibly painful to face disbelief and lack of support, especially from those closest to you. Your experiences and emotions are valid, and it's understandable to feel hurt and betrayed by the response you've received. If you ever need someone to talk to or support, please don't hesitate to reach out. You deserve understanding and compassion. Take care of yourself during this difficult time 💜
Often those who toss judgment are projecting emotional insecurities onto us, I feel that most of it’s because a person has been through something similar and was taught to suppress it rather than speak their feelings/emotions on the circumstance.
you are doing the best you can and that is all that matters.
@DancingPanda777
Sadly, thats how she taught me to be.
"Others have it worse than you."
"be a good girl and havebyour head down."
"Youre getting praised at your job? (Ex job now) its because people like talking to you because youre a good."
I've experienced different S.A. encounters but my mom always told me that they weren't a big deal or it's because I'm Asian and people will get over it.
@InsightfulPhoenix
I’m so sorry you dealt with this, if you need anyone to talk to I am here🌺
@DancingPanda777 I am so sorry this happened to you. It is so important to raise awareness on these issues and for us all to work as a society on the gender inequality our culture has internalized to do better for the future generation of women and support the healing process of survivors
@Mya000
Im a survivor, so ty i never really felt recognized, it happened when i was 8 and when i was 14... i went to law enforcement with my mother and they said that it was too long ago to create any kind of investigation, i always felt like it was never that serious
@Innovarefy I'm so sorry to hear about what you've been through. Your experiences are valid, and it's understandable to feel dismissed by the lack of recognition and support. It's important to acknowledge that what happened to you was indeed serious, and it's not your fault. You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported. If you ever need someone to talk to or support you in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
@Mya000 i read this is listed as womens issues. i as a genetic male that has been raped prior, does this not apply?
This topic ought to be discussed more. However; it affects everyone, not just women. In fact, in some jurisdictions; women can only get convicted of lesser crimes than men for the same acts. Women can sometimes accuse a man of sexual assault and ruin his life despite the man being innocent. This is a complex issue and all of us should be helping those who are suffering from it.
@AnaSaab This post is listed under women's issues because it statistically affects women more than men, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen to men. It's important to remember that women do not falsely accuse men of sexual assault as some might think, and many women have their lives deeply impacted by these assaults.
@Mya000 I was assaulted by my own mother, sometimes I just feel unlovable
