10 Healing Methods for Sexual Violence Survivors

It’s only when we face the parts that feel dirty, guilty, broken, hard, and painful we can find closure in allowing them to be exposed and sorted.

It begins to feel harder to go through, as your mind and body are now at a place where they feel comfortable enough to release, which is what makes healing a messy and complex journey; on some days it’s easier to laugh and smile than on others.

There’s no getting past this point, but there are methods to healing and coping mechanisms that can funnel the chaos of Pandora’s Box, as well as help you to get re-introduced to yourself.

We have no control over the trauma we face, but because we have control over how we heal to a certain point, it’s crucial we be intentional (while paying attention to what is being communicated through us), intuitive, and gentle with ourselves.

1. Allow Your Emotions to Flow Through Your Body

Crying, screaming.

2. Recreational Practices

Journaling, music.

3. Bodily Movements

Yoga, stretching, dancing, walking.

4. Disclose to Trusted Friends and Family for Support

5. Seek Professional Assistance

6. Self-Affirm

Positive self-talk, compassion, reassurance.

7. Connect and Share with Other Survivors

8. Practice Trusting Your Body Again

Self-soothing, self-pleasuring, helpful books.

9. Create a ‘Triggers’ and ‘Safe’ List

10. Listen to Your Thoughts and Intuition

Take necessary legal action and educate yourself more on the issue.

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Merrisa Carshéna. You can follow their journey on Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more stories like this:

‘You’re going to do exactly what I tell you.’ He grabbed my throat. The devil was staring me in the face. Fear washed over my body.’: Young woman survives sexual assault in woods, ‘I refuse to hide. I need others to know they aren’t alone’

‘I was handed a drink. I woke up in an empty room, except for an air mattress. I was completely naked. All my belongings were missing.’ Woman ‘hurt no one was looking for me’ after 3-day-long sexual assault

‘5 out of 6 of my sisters have been sexually assaulted. We’re all under 30. I’ve had ENOUGH.’: Woman pens open letter, claims we ‘can’t change the ugly,’ but we can ‘support each other through it’

‘The higher-ups in my command took pictures of my rape and left them on my phone. They thought it was funny. ‘It’s your fault. You drank with them.’: Veteran, assault survivor says ‘no one gets justice until we all do’

Do you know someone who could benefit from this story? SHARE this story on Facebook to let others know a community of support is available.