The impact of rape and sexual trauma goes a lot deeper than bruises on your skin. After a rape, victims live in constant fear, no one feels safe anymore and trust in others is lost. Relationships will crumble, and intimacy with someone you love may seem impossible.

According to Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2014:

Every 98 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 8 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.

To help you heal after a sexual assault, we have compiled a list of the best steps to recover from rape:

Step 1: Reach out for help

It is essential for you to discuss what happened. While staying quiet about the whole situation may feel like the best thing to do, it is vital to talk through what happened. Talking about it can take the blame away from you and put it where it truly belongs, on the rapist.

Step 2: Prepare for the aftermath

Flashbacks, nightmares and post-traumatic stress disorder are all things that can flare up after your body and mind have had time to decompress from everything that has happened. While it is not always as easy as avoiding things that trigger your memory (crime TV shows, certain places, special dates, or even smells) it is important to know how to handle yourself when these triggers happen.

Step 3: Take your body back

For many victims of rape, one of the scariest things to do can be to reconnect with your body and emotions. Mindful meditation, yoga or even massage is a great place to start learning and reconnecting with your body.

Step 4: Take time

Healing from sexual violence doesn’t happen overnight, and the memories will probably never completely disappear. Learning to keep working on your mind and body is the most important thing you will ever do to heal.

About Choices Psychotherapy

Choice is the foundation for a change. Choice speaks to the reality that there is not one right answer for all.  At Choices Psychotherapy, we are committed to empowering clients and their families to identify options while assisting in creating a personal roadmap toward health and recovery.

Related: Sexual Abuse