So often, the things we speak about least are the things about which we should scream the loudest.
Did you know that April was Sexual Assault Awareness month? It's something no one likes to talk about, but these survivors have a voice that needs to be heard. Did you know that 1 in 6 American woman and 1 in 33 American men will be victims of sexual assault at some point in their life? Those numbers are probably lower than what is true, because sexual assault is a very under-reported crime.
Some estimates are as high as 1 in 4 women! Think of your four closest female friends - chances are, one of them has been sexually assaulted.
Should she be silent? Should he be ashamed? No!
Forty-four percent of all victims are estimated to be under the age of 18. Fifteen percent are estimated to be under age 12. No child should suffer like this in silence.
And here are some statistics related to sexual assault and mental health. Victims of sexual assault are:
- 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
- 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
- 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
- 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
- 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.
This is a serious social disaster, from where I sit. In a society where sexuality is both flaunted and frowned upon, where elected officials throw around phrases like "legitimate rape", and where media gives us distorted messages about our bodies, knowing what to do and how to act can be a difficult thing to navigate. But with time, therapy, and support, recovery from sexual violence is possible. Seek help, speak up, and speak out. Find a safe way to tell your story.
Did you know that April was Sexual Assault Awareness month? It's something no one likes to talk about, but these survivors have a voice that needs to be heard. Did you know that 1 in 6 American woman and 1 in 33 American men will be victims of sexual assault at some point in their life? Those numbers are probably lower than what is true, because sexual assault is a very under-reported crime.
Some estimates are as high as 1 in 4 women! Think of your four closest female friends - chances are, one of them has been sexually assaulted.
Should she be silent? Should he be ashamed? No!
Forty-four percent of all victims are estimated to be under the age of 18. Fifteen percent are estimated to be under age 12. No child should suffer like this in silence.
And here are some statistics related to sexual assault and mental health. Victims of sexual assault are:
- 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.
- 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
- 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.
- 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.
- 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.
This is a serious social disaster, from where I sit. In a society where sexuality is both flaunted and frowned upon, where elected officials throw around phrases like "legitimate rape", and where media gives us distorted messages about our bodies, knowing what to do and how to act can be a difficult thing to navigate. But with time, therapy, and support, recovery from sexual violence is possible. Seek help, speak up, and speak out. Find a safe way to tell your story.
Don't suffer in silence. Our clinicians offer support and
treatment for emotional issues, trauma recover, and relationship
concerns. Contact us at (919) 428-2766. Learn more by visiting our
website http://www.orensteinsolutions.com.
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