How To Effectively Help Someone Who Experienced Sexual Abuse
Every 2 minutes, another American becomes victim to sexual abuse. Sexual assault undoubtedly affects mental condition along with the physical health of the victim. The survivors of this heinous crime usually close the door to the outside world and burn in the flames of that traumatic experience. The sense of shock, guilt, fear, and humiliation envelops them, and it takes a lot of courage to open up about the assault.
If someone unveils their agonizing assault experience, you should be very vigilant about your response. Be responsible with your reaction and try to help that innocent soul in the best way possible.
Be a Pillar of Support
The first point is that you should not panic because the victim is already confused and afraid. Your outrage may worsen the situation. The sexual abuse survivor is being vulnerable in front of you, so you need to be very supportive and understanding. Calmly listen to the survivor, and let them express their emotions.
Be empathetic towards them.; make sure that the person knows that it was not their fault. The only one to be blamed is that monster who abused them.
Get Legal Help
One of the most important things is to encourage the survivor to get legal help. Getting in touch with a lawyer can give them information about their options. Help them to proactively deal with the situation and effectively convince them to learn about the laws that can help them get justice. Introduce a legal entity that is reputable and experienced enough in dealing with the survivors of such traumatic experiences. The legal specialists at www.davidchristensenlaw.com advise you to find a lawyer that actively works to serve sexual abuse survivors and make sure that the survivors regain the confidence to stand for their rights and get justice. They not only provide confidential legal consultations but are also ready to legally represent you either while negotiating the claims for settlement or going for the trial in court.
The sexual assault victims need to learn to stand for themselves and should not lose their battle for security and justice. The trauma they suffered should not be the reason for their defeat. Help them understand their rights, help them get legal consultation, and help them make the abuser pay for their ghastly act.
Ensure the Survivor’s Safety
The next step is to make sure that the survivor is away from their abuser. Survivors should stay in a safe place and should not be exposed to any threat from the offender. Make sure that the person is not living alone in such a vulnerable state. Check-in on them regularly and make sure that they know that they are loved.
Moreover, make sure that you treat them with as much patience as you can manage. Talk them into reporting the crime to the authorities. Usually, they’ll be hesitant about taking this step, but if the victim is ready to report the crime, take them to the proper authorities and let the police department do their job. Don’t be irrational enough to confront the sex offender yourself. Let the law enforcement agencies take care of the matter.
Encourage Counselling
Counseling is very important for sexual abuse survivors. You should try to help the victim get the necessary support from the right people. Encourage them to reach out to the sexual assault support centers. You can give them advice but don’t force your opinions down their throats. Give them time if they want to keep everything confidential. They have been through a lot and the last thing they need is to be ordered around. Let them have control over their decisions and support them in whatever path they choose but subtly motivate them to at least get confidential therapies.
Get the Medical Care
Sexual assaults are very violent and can result in many health issues. Make sure that the survivor gets necessary medical attention. The medical exam can help the survivor identify any physical injury, any possible STD, and prevent pregnancy at an early stage. You just need to be there for the victim and support them throughout the process.
The emotional and physical trauma experienced by the sexual abuse survivor cannot be imagined. The healing period differs for different survivors. It is not easy to see a survivor struggling with the aftereffects of the assault. Just remember to quietly stand with them and make them feel loved. Let them know that they can take as much time as they want. Just hold them tight whenever they start to give in and motivate them to fight for themselves.
