Trauma / Abuse / Survivors Resources

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Trauma / Abuse / Survivors Resources
Sexual Assault / Abuse Recovery Resources Sexual assault refers to nonconsensual sexual contact of which both men and women may be victims. This includes all forms of rape, attempted rape, and nonconsensual sexual physical contact. Emotional Response to Sexual Assault Persons who have been sexually assaulted typically experience symptoms of emotional trauma. Each person’s response to sexual assault will differ depending on individual circumstances, prior history of sexual assault or other types of trauma, and her typical style of coping. The following emotional consequences of sexual assault are common, and are expected reactions to a traumatic event: Shock or Numbness Fear and Anxiety Reliving the Memory of What Happened Minimizing or Not Believing What Happened Self-blame and Guilt Shame Depression Loss of Trust and Relationship Difficulties Anger A Sense of Loss of Control Academic Difficulty and Disorganization Physical Reactions Sexual Assault and Rape Response Services at NC State If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to get yourself to a safe place. Remember, you are not to blame. Consider telling someone you trust who can give you comfort and emotional support, and try not to isolate yourself. Seek medical attention to address the possibility of injury, pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease. Although it may go against your instincts, it is best to initially not shower, or discard clothes you were wearing. This limits your ability to take legal action if you decide to do so. The Counseling Center can help give you confidential guidance and support. Your appointments are confidential, and you are not required to report the assault as a result of seeking counseling. Your counselor will help you to talk about and manage your feelings. The counselor is also available to help you consider your options and decide what will be most conducive to your healing in your individual situation. The Counseling Center is also available to help if your assault occurred in the past. It is not too late to seek help for a sexual assault, even if it happened a long time ago. Contact the Counseling Center at 515-2423 or After Hours call 515-3333 and ask to speak to the On-Call Counselor come by the center to set up an initial appointment. Also contact an Advocate at NC State's Molly Hays Glander Sexual Assault Line at 618-RAPE(7273) Other Useful Links: NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault Interact of Wake County Becoming Whole Again: Healing from Sexual Assault (U Texas at Austin) For Men Only: Male Survivors of Sexual Assault (U Texas at Austin) Date / Acquaintance Rape (U Cincinnati) Men Can Stop Rape If Someone You Know is Raped (Michigan State U) Recovery from Traumatic Events An experience is considered traumatic when it is too difficult to emotionally process and absorb all at once. The sudden and overwhelming attacks on our country have affected us all and will continue to as we continue to understand and absorb the losses. At the North Carolina State University Counseling Center we want you to know that is common for people who have experienced traumatic situations to have very strong emotional reactions. Understanding normal responses to these abnormal events can aid you in coping effectively with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, and help you process and integrate this experience in the healthiest way possible. Response and Recovery from Traumatic Events Other Useful Links: Surviving the Effects of Trauma (U Florida) Road to Resilience (American Psychological Association) Helping a Significant Other who has Experienced a Trauma (U Wisconsin) Managing your Stress in the Aftermath of Trauma (APA)