It’s never too late to seek help after being assaulted. Many different organizations and groups are available that will be more than happy to offer you support, guidance, and resources after a traumatic experience. Mike Gonzales, a Tampa criminal attorney, believes that no one should have to suffer in silence-there is help available, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Assault can mean different things to different people, but it generally refers to a physical or sexual attack. If you’ve been assaulted, it’s important to remember that it wasn’t your fault and that you are not alone. Seek out support from friends, family, or other survivors of assault. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to people you know, many national and local organizations can help you.
It’s normal to feel scared, confused and overwhelmed after an assault. You may have trouble sleeping, eating, or concentrating. You might feel like you’re in danger all the time or like you can’t trust anyone. These are all common reactions to trauma. Counseling and therapy can help you work through these feelings and start to heal.
What is Assault and Why It’s Important to Seek Help
Assault is a general term that refers to a physical or sexual attack. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, assault is all too common– according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.
If you’ve been assaulted, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Many different organizations and groups can offer support, guidance, and resources. A Tampa criminal attorney understands that these organizations can help you begin the process of healing and recovery.
Some people choose not to seek help after an assault because they’re ashamed, embarrassed, or afraid. Others may not even realize that what happened to them was assault. It’s important to remember that it wasn’t your fault and that you are not alone. There is help available, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
What to Do if You’ve Been Assaulted
If you’ve been assaulted, there are a few things you can do to begin the healing process:
Medical Attention
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important even if you don’t have any visible injuries. A healthcare provider can check for internal injuries and prescribe medication to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. They can also connect you with local resources and support groups.
Call The Police
Call the police or file a report. This is an important step in holding your attacker accountable and preventing them from assaulting someone else.
Seek Out Resources
Contact a local or national organization that specializes in supporting survivors of assault. These organizations can help you navigate the legal system, find counseling and therapy, and connect you with other resources.
Talk To Your Support Systems
Talk to someone you trust about what happened. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. Talking about your experience can be incredibly difficult, but it can also be an important step in healing.
Professional Help
Start counseling or therapy as soon as possible. Many survivors of assault find counseling and therapy to be incredibly helpful. A therapist can help you work through the emotions you’re feeling and start to rebuild your life.
How to Get Support After An Assault
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few national organizations that specialize in supporting survivors of sexual assault:
RAINN
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. They operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline and provide resources for survivors of sexual assault.
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
The NSVRC is a national organization that provides resources for survivors of sexual violence. They also offer training and education for professionals who work with survivors of assault.
Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon is a national organization that supports survivors of crime and violence, including sexual assault. They offer counseling, therapy, and other resources to help survivors rebuild their lives.
Ways That an Assault Can Affect You
An assault can have a profound and lasting impact on your life. You may struggle with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may have trouble sleeping or eating. You may feel detached from your friends and family. You may feel like you’re not yourself anymore.
It’s important to remember that these feelings are normal and that you are not alone. Many survivors of assault struggle with similar emotions and challenges. With time and support, you will begin to heal and recover from your experience.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been assaulted, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Some many different organizations and groups offer support to survivors of assault. These organizations can provide you with counseling, therapy, and other resources. No one should have to suffer in silence. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. If you or someone you know has been assaulted, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.
