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I Was Sexually AssaultedAbuseI Was Sexually Assaulted<div class="ExternalClassF2663D8BD7474C93B2CDD0CF0D89EC61"><p>​<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:"times new roman", serif;">I was recently sexually assaulted and I feel less of a person than I was. I feel really lost and I don't know how to carry myself or even portray myself. I am so broken and feel shattered.  </span><br></p></div><div class="ExternalClassE5D8B9EED1F4409886B69ED845FBBC07"><p>​Thanks so much for emailing in.  It sounds like the assault has you really struggling with your emotions and your identity which is completely understandable when something traumatic like this happens. There is no right or wrong way to feel because you have a right to whatever you are feeling whether it is loss, scared, embarrassed, worried, or shattered like you described. We do not know the details surrounding the assault, but a lot of times you lose trust in someone or even in the system when something like this happens. If you know the person or have to be around them for some reason please let us know as it will be extremely important to set up a <a href="/pages/tip-your-safety.aspx?Topic=Suicidal%20Thoughts">safety plan</a> with you.</p><p>Did you <a href="/pages/tip-reporting-abuse.aspx?Topic=Abuse">report this</a> to your parents or to local law enforcement? For most people even having to review something like this is extremely difficult, but it was so wise and brave of you to reach out, because you did nothing wrong as far as the assault goes. The person who did it needs to be accountable and hopefully stopped from doing something like this again to someone else. We certainly can help you talk to your parents if you want to call in, or can even talk you through how to approach them.<br></p><p>A lot of times it is helpful to work with a counselor to have a safe place to talk or vent and even work towards rebuilding your sense of self.  You ARE the same you and even though you feel as if you are broken, you are not - that person who took advantage of you like that can make you feel that or feel like well you deserved it or asked for it - you did NOT. Enlist help just like you did here. It will take time to work through this, but there is help out there. You do not have to go through this alone, and a lot of times if you try to, your emotional tank just gets to full to handle. Let us know if we can help some more too. The crisis counselors here are available 24/7.<br></p><p>Sincerely,<br></p><p>​Laura, Crisis Counselor<br></p></div>15

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