Here are some timely resources for sexual violence survivors and the people who love them.
RAINN is an important non-profit organization that has been advocating for the rights and dignity of sexual violence victims for a long time. They put out a statement on the Cosby verdict today, and some great advice for people who have survived sexual violence, and their loved ones. Because days like today are tough.
RAINN [The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network] is America's largest anti-sexual violence org, and they help survivors via the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.4673) and the Safe Helpline. Spanish-language resources are here.
Those of us who have survived sexual violence can become deeply affected when we're exposed to a lot of content about that issue. That's what's happening right now. We're seeing a lot of coverage of sexual assaults involving political and entertainment figures this week. Much of this amplifies what victims are told: we lie, we make it up, it's our fault, and besides if it happened it wasn't that bad anyway.
It's difficult.
Here are ways to get through it safely, in the form of a Twitter thread from RAINN.
[Or if you prefer, here's the Threader App version.]
Physical and emotional self-care after trauma: https://t.co/F3tFNAcxRa
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
Practicing self-care when sexual violence is present in the news and on social media: https://t.co/TdkCLt7rU8
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
Managing flashbacks: https://t.co/SHegMtYAow
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
Self-care for loved ones of survivors: https://t.co/kJJNkQlRAV
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
Every survivor has different methods of self-care and managing the effects of sexual violence. Explore to find the ways that work best for you and remember, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available for support: 800.656.HOPE & https://t.co/j9dQGwplI2.
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
Local help is available. Find a sexual assault service provider near you at https://t.co/FU3z1jgwnh.
— RAINN (@RAINN) September 24, 2018
You can support RAINN's work by donating here.