Suicide is preventable and suicidal thoughts aren’t permanent. If you are thinking about suicide, there are resources to give you the support you need to get through this tough time.
Deliberate self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person inflicts physical harm on himself or herself, usually in secret.
If you decide to seek support from a therapist after sexual assault or abuse, you may have some questions. That’s perfectly normal. Working with a therapist can help you deal with some of the challenges you may be facing.
Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.
Sexual exploitation by a helping professional is a serious violation of your trust and, in many cases, the law.
If someone is pressuring you to engage in sexual activity, it is important to remember that being in this situation is not your fault. Here are some strategies to try.
Sexual assault can take many different forms and be defined in different ways, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.
You should be able to feel comfortable in your place of work or learning. If you are being sexually harassed, you can report it to the authorities at your job, school, or local law enforcement.
There are many emotional and psychological reactions that victims of rape and sexual assault can experience. One of the most common of these is depression.
There are many ways that you can help a friend or family member who has been affected by sexual violence.
Brainstorming ways to stay safe may help reduce the risk of future harm.
Learn more about stalking behaviors to help you notice them before they escalate—and take steps to protect yourself.
Dissociation is one of the many defense mechanisms the brain can use to cope with the trauma of sexual violence.
After a traumatic event, it is typical to have feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear, making it difficult to adjust or cope for some time afterwards.
During a flashback, memories of past traumas feel as if they are taking place in the current moment.
Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.
A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a bacterial or viral infection passed from one person to another through vaginal, anal, or oral contact.
After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
If you were recently raped, you may have concerns about becoming pregnant from the attack.
The legal definitions for terms like rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse vary from state to state. Consent often plays an important role in determining whether an act is legally considered a crime.
You may only interact with law enforcement when you report, or they might ask you to stay involved with the investigation over a length of time.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
Welcome to Statues of Limitations 101. Statutes of limitations are as varied as they are important. Learn more about how statutes of limitations work, and how they differ from state to state.