Monica Calzada was intoxicated when she left a college party with her ex-boyfriend’s best friend. “It turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life.” It wasn’t until she started telling her story more openly that she began to process and acknowledge what happened.
Debra was just 15 years old when the abuse began. It can be difficult for an individual to disclose sexual assault or abuse when they know the perpetrator. It can be especially difficult if the perpetrator is a family member.
If you are concerned that you’re using substances in a way that could be harmful to your health or have concerns for someone you care about, consider learning more about the warning signs and places to find support.
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.
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.