Victim healing: Growing the path of resilience for victims of sexual assault

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, Ex Director, Alliance
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) 2022 the Alliance encourages our community to develop resilience skills as a response to traumatic experiences, like sexual assault.  The definition of resilience is the ability to recover quickly from complications, or complicated situations.  Sexual assault victims experiences are often traumatic and can cause years of pain.  This can have profound impact on how they engage with others.  It’s important that we remember assault on any level is emotionally charged, distressing and terrifying for victims and their families. Resilience is an important part to healing, and for some victims regaining control of their lives. 
When developing resiliency skills families can encourage each other to address life’s challenges in a positive manner.  By developing positive reactions to life stresses victims begin to become stronger.  It is important to use these skills daily, and not just during difficult situations.  All families can do with little bit of support, as it is necessary to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of the family.  Focusing on eliminating periods of stress is why we need resilience. 
Resilience activities you can use: (1) Reframe your interpretations, remind yourself that you can choose to focus on the positive of every situation. Each morning leave yourself a reminder to remain positive.  To be positive use post it notes to write mantras such as “Keep looking up”, “Positivity wins!”, or “Do good and good will come to you”.  (2) Search for the positivity that surrounds us.  Rather than search for negative information about people, places, or things, look for good news stories to boost your spirit. Limit or eliminate your time on social media.  (3)  Do an act of kindness, and remember positivity exists, sometimes we need to find it.   (4) You must take care of yourself because it’s hard to be positive when you’re tired when you have nothing else to give.  You can take a walk, meditate, or spend time with a friend who makes you laugh.  Reading a good book, or watching a movie that makes you feel calm, or brings a smile to your soul are activities of resilience. 
The success of resiliency is all up to you, and the needs you identify.  You determine what resilience looks like.  Record what works best for you, and practice it, because practice makes perfect!  The journey to wellness and healing can be a long road but remember you do not have to do it alone.