Self-Care After Sexual Assault

When you are the victim of a sexual assault, the road to healing can look uncertain, scary, and at times, insurmountable. The legal team of experienced sexual assault lawyers at Bachus & Schanker understands this and wants you to know you are not alone. We are committed to helping victims like you find success during the recovery process — success you are entitled to and deserve. Our law firm is committed to serving those who have unfortunately been victimized by sexual abuse predators. Our Victim Advocates team is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed specifically for victim advocacy, representation, and support.

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Our victim advocates work alongside our specialized Elite Litigation Group to give you the care and support you deserve. Together, these specialized legal representatives will investigate your case to the fullest extent and gather pertinent evidence and documentation that not only holds your perpetrator accountable but enables you to recover the restitution you deserve. 

As a survivor of sexual assault, it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. Please seek out resources, organizations, and support that can help you on your path to healing. Research shows that individuals who seek out support are more likely to overcome any obstacles, including mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety related to their sexual abuse.

If you do not have a support system that includes trusted family or friends you can lean on, know that you are still not alone. Sexual assault survivors often feel isolated, fearful, and unable to speak to close ones about their experiences. For many, support comes in the form of national and local organizations that can help guide you on your path to healing. Learning about your rights and options is the first step in a successful path to healing. Please talk to someone today.

Get Your Free Case Consultation Contact the sexual assault lawyers at Bachus & Schanker and schedule a free, confidential consultation on your case.
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FAQs About Self-Care After Sexual Abuse 

If you have questions about self-care after sexual abuse, you are not alone. Read on to learn more about self-care, its importance, and how to implement helpful tactics into your life. 

As the name suggests, self-care refers to any activity, behavior, or interaction that helps improve your state of being. This can be an improvement in your self-esteem, your self-worth, your self-confidence, how you feel about yourself, and any other feelings or emotions related to your existence following a sexual assault.Self-care, in general, takes on different forms for different people. For some, this may mean speaking with a counselor about any mental health concerns. For others, it can be as simple as stretching, taking deep breaths, or establishing a consistent and structured routine.

Self-care after trauma, however, is an important aspect of the healing process. Victims of sexual assault may often feel that their predator has stripped away their power. Others may lose their sense of identity or the concept of their purpose in life.
Engaging in self-care helps put the focus back on you as you work to build back up what your abuser has taken away from you. For some victims, self-care is especially important because it allows them to tap back into their inner self, take back their power, and focus on continuing with their goals, aspirations, and hopes or dreams before the assault took place.

Self-care activities will take on different forms for different people, as previously mentioned. If you are unsure where to start with your self-care, begin by focusing on your state of being and where you are at this particular moment. Do you want to jump back into life as you process your emotions, or are you still in a state of trauma or shock?

It may be easier for some victims to get back to a normal semblance of existence, while others may still struggle with the trauma associated with being violated and abused. There is no right answer regarding how to feel after sexual abuse, and the feelings you have in this current moment are valid and should be listened to. Please remember that no matter how you feel, it is not your fault this has happened.

As you work on your journey to healing, consider these self-care activities that can help give you a new perspective on your life, as well as structure and routine that will help during your healing process.

  • List out your feelings, identify them, and reconcile with them
  • Tap into hobbies and interests you enjoyed prior to your sexual assault 
  • Go out on a walk, or establish a routine that includes physical exercise 
  • Start small and start in the comfort of your home. Establish a new routine or fall back into your previous one and maintain a sort of schedule that guides your day-to-day plan.
  • Spend time with friends and loved ones
  • Do a puzzle 
  • Clean a messy space in your home 
  • Cook at home 
  • Stay hydrated
  • Pamper yourself
  • Practice different breathing exercises
  • Learn and practice positive affirmations that you speak to yourself

For many sexual assault survivors, self-care will not be an easy task. Victims can find it challenging because of the following reasons: 

  • Feelings of worthlessness – Victims often feel like they are unworthy of any self-care treatment because of the trauma they have endured and the psychological impact it may have had on them.
  • Feelings of shame or guilt –  Perpetrators manipulate their victims into making them feel helpless or even deserving of the abuse. A sexual assault may make you feel like you are to blame or that you caused the assault for one reason or another. It’s important to acknowledge but dismiss these feelings as untrue. No survivor of sexual assault is ever to blame for the abuse they have endured. 
  • Desire to be alone – You may feel the need to be reclusive, staying in a fixed location like your bedroom, and you may not want to interact with your surroundings or other people. While moments of loneliness can be beneficial for reflection, extended periods of isolation can hamper your efforts of healing. 

Lack of support – If you feel alone, it’s important to remember that you are not. Many victims feel that they have no one to turn to and may suffer from a lack of support. This lack of support can easily translate to self-negligence, making it hard for you to engage in self-care. This is why reaching out to support groups you can count on can be critical to your healing.

National Resources For Self-care And Support After A Sexual Assault 

There are a number of nationally recognized support groups, organizations, and resources for sexual assault survivors to tap into. These organizations do an incredible job connecting you to resources within your community and can also help connect you with trained professionals to speak with during a time of crisis. Turn to the following national organizations at the beginning or during your recovery process.

Rainn (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

RAINN offers a range of resources and support for sexual assault survivors, including an online chat hotline and a directory of local service providers. Browse their online contact as well and access a wealth of information on topics related to sexual assault and recovery.

  • Contact Number:  ​1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) is a free, 24/7 hotline that connects survivors to local sexual assault service providers. If you’re experiencing a moment of crisis or are simply seeking support during your recovery, this is a great resource to utilize. Additionally, service providers can help connect you to additional support groups within your own community. 

  • Contact Number: ​703-535-6682 
  • Address: 510 King Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314 

The Trevor Project 

The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth and others. Though largely targeting the LGBTQ+ community, they are also a reputable organization serving survivors of sexual assault. 

  • Contact Number:  212-695-8650
  • Address: The Trevor Project PO Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence 

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence is an organization that works to end sexual violence through advocacy, public policy, and support for survivors. You can turn to their website and access a range of resources related to healing after sexual assault and what to do if you have become a victim. 

  • Contact Number: info@endsexualviolence.org
  • Address: 655 15th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

Joyful Heart Foundation

The Joyful Heart Foundation provides support and healing resources for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Their website includes a directory of local service providers and a range of educational resources.

  • Contact Number: 212-475-2026
  • info@joyfulheartfoundation.org 

National Organization for Victim Assistance 

NOVA provides support and advocacy for victims of crime, including sexual assault. When you visit them online, you can navigate a directory of local service providers in your community along with information regarding victim rights. 

  • Contact Number:  ​703-535-6682 
  • Address: 510 King Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314 

Colorado State Resources For Self-care And Support After A Sexual Assault 

The state of Colorado has done an exceptional job serving, supporting, and advocating for victims of sexual assault. If you live in Colorado and were the victim of a sexual assault, turn to these state-level organizations and tap into these invaluable resources that will help you on your path to healing. 

The Victim’s Advocate Team at Bachus & Schanker

The Backus & Schanker law firm has its own specially assembled Victim’s Advocates in-house team. This team works with victims of crime, including sexual assault. They provide this service for all clients who are seeking representation following a sexual assault, among other assault crimes. As one of the only law firms offering this type of resource, victims can get the support they need and the legal representation they deserve. Victims are empowered to understand their legal rights under Colorado law so that they can pursue legal justice and restitution against their perpetrator and any other liable third parties. 

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) 

CCASA provides support for survivors of sexual assault, as well as advocacy, education, and public policy work related to sexual violence. Their website includes a directory of local service providers that connect you with additional resources within your locality. 

  • Contact Number: ​303-839-9999 or info@ccasa.org
  • Address: 1330 Fox Street, Suite 2, P.O. Box 40350, Denver, CO 80204

Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance 

(COVA) – COVA provides support and advocacy for victims of crime, including sexual assault. Their website allows you access to a directory of local service providers and information on victim rights.

  • Contact Number: 202-900-2902 
  • Address: 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Unit A, Arvada, CO 80003

The Blue Bench

The Blue Bench provides support and resources for survivors of sexual assault, as well as education and outreach, to prevent sexual violence. They offer counseling services and support groups. If you feel that you are in a moment of crisis, their 24-hour hotline can be an invaluable resource to turn to. The Blue Bench sexual assault hotline is 303-322-7273. 

  • Contact Number: 303-329-9922
  • Address: P.O. Box 18951, Denver, CO 80218

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs – 

SANE programs provide medical and forensic services for sexual assault survivors. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment maintains a list of SANE programs in the state. For victims of sexual assault who have either reported or are considering reporting their abuse to local law enforcement, this organization can help you collect critical physical evidence against your abuser. Additionally, SANE programs can be helpful to tap into if you are uninsured or want to speak with a medical professional in confidentiality.

Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) 

VALE provides financial assistance to victims of crime, including sexual assault, for expenses related to medical care, counseling, and lost wages. Sexual assault organizations and programs are eligible to receive grant awards from VALE, which are then passed on to survivors seeking financial support.

  • Contact Number: 303-239-4442
  • Address:700 Kipling, Suite 1000, Lakewood, Colorado 80215

Colorado Crisis Services 

Colorado Crisis Services provides crisis intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault and other traumas. They offer a 24/7 hotline, as well as walk-in services at locations throughout the state. If you are experiencing a moment of crisis, including suicidal ideations, and need immediate attention or care, the Colorado Crisis Services is a critical resource. 

  • Contact Number: 1-800-844-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255
  • Address: Directory available for Colorado locations 

Project Safeguard 

Project Safeguard provides legal assistance and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. This organization can help you learn more about filing protection orders, court proceedings, and other legal options you may want to explore. You don’t necessarily have to take legal action against your perpetrator in order to utilize this resource. However, this can be a helpful system of support if you do plan on taking legal action. 

  • Contact Number: 720-618-3482 or info@psghelps.org
  • Address: Directory available for Colorado locations

Seek The Self-care You Deserve After A Sexual Assault

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At Bachus & Schanker, we understand the importance of seeking self-care after a sexual assault. Our victim advocates can help you determine how to best protect yourself as you navigate the path to healing. Our specialized team will help you understand your legal rights and options as you pursue justice.

Whether you are scheduling a consultation or working with our sexual assault lawyers and victim advocates, we guarantee a confidential, empowering experience centered around your needs. Our team is committed to helping serve you so that you can move forward with the healing process you deserve.

Get Your Free Case Consultation Contact our experienced sexual assault attorneys today if you are ready to begin the legal process of holding your abuser accountable.
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Sources:

Mandriota, M. (2022). Healing From Sexual Abuse and Assault. 

Sane Locations in Colorado. (2023).

Self-Care After Trauma. (2023).

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Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus

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Kyle is a member of the Colorado and Florida Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.

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