Overcoming Trauma After Sexual Violence

Trauma is a normal response to sexual violence, and RAINN is here to help survivors heal at their own pace. Explore steps you can take to start your healing journey.

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How To Talk About It

Friends and family can provide comfort and support when you’ve experienced sexual assault. Learn who to tell, what to say, and how to stay safe.

Learn More
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Get Mental Health Support

Mental healthcare helps many survivors recover after sexual assault or abuse. These resources can help you find hope and healing.

How Sexual Violence Affects Mental Health

Mental health challenges are normal after experiencing sexual violence. Here are some issues you may face—and how to find help.

Learn The Impacts

How to Find a Therapist After Sexual Assault

Therapy helps many survivors heal from the impacts of sexual violence. Here’s how to find a mental health professional who can help.

Find A Therapist

What to Expect from Therapy

Therapy helps many survivors heal from the impacts of sexual violence. Here’s what to expect when you work with a mental health professional.

Get Prepared

Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn

Learn about the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses to sexual violence. Understand each survival response and explore trauma-informed paths to healing.

Learn About Trauma

HIPAA & Mandatory Reporting

If you’re considering therapy, you should know about HIPAA and mandatory reporting laws—policies that help safeguard patients and their privacy.

Get Informed

“Therapy Didn’t Work for Me”

Therapy doesn’t always feel helpful to survivors of sexual violence. Here’s what survivors—and therapists—need to know about healing after sexual violence.

Make Therapy Work

Practice Self-Care

Learn how self-care enables healing for survivors of sexual trauma, and explore self-care steps you can take to support yourself and those you love.

Why Self-Care Matters for Survivors of Sexual Trauma

Self-care is a lifelong practice that takes time, persistence, and lots of compassion for yourself. Learn why self-care is so important for survivors.

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7 Kinds of Self-Care & How They Help

This deep dive into practical self-care can help survivors of sexual violence rebuild their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

Practice Self-Care

3 Truths About Self-Care for Survivors

Tackle three common self-care myths with TRUTH. Learn what self-care really is, what it isn’t, and how it can help survivors of sexual violence live fulfilling lives.

Get Informed

A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care

Self-care helps parents build the strength and resilience necessary for supporting young survivors of child sexual abuse.

Build Resilience

Medical Disclaimer: Please note that the content on this site does not constitute medical advice, and RAINN is not a medical expert. If you have further questions after reading this information, please contact a local healthcare professional or hospital.

Join Our Community

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Show Support

Whether you’re a survivor yourself or know someone who is, your compassionate support can profoundly impact someone’s healing journey. Here’s how.

Take Action

Show up, speak out, and step in. Learn more about how you can add your voice, fight for justice, and help RAINN move its mission forward for survivors.