Reclaiming Your Power
Introduction - I believe You, I believe in you, It was NOT your fault.
Survivors of sexual assault often carry heavy burdens of trauma and guilt, struggling to reclaim their lives and self-worth. This blog is dedicated to you, the survivor, to help you break free from the shackles of your past experience and find healing. It's crucial to understand that sexual assault is never your fault, and recovery is possible. We will explore the importance of recognising the difference between consent and permission as a means of empowering yourself and letting go of the trauma.
1. Understanding the Trauma
Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience that can have lasting effects on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It's essential to acknowledge the pain and suffering you've endured. You are not alone, and your feelings are valid.
2. Recognizing the Difference: Consent vs. Permission
Understanding the distinction between consent and permission can be a powerful tool in your journey towards healing:
Consent: Consent is the willingness to give permission for a specific action. It should always be freely given, without manipulation, coercion, bullying, harassment, or gaslighting. It represents your uncoerced and voluntary agreement to engage in a sexual act.
Permission: Permission is the explicit verbal confirmation to proceed, typically expressed through a clear and resounding "YES." It's the point at which both parties involved agree to move forward with a sexual act. Permission ensures that everyone is on the same page.
3. Empowering Yourself through Understanding
Recognizing the difference between consent and permission is not only about understanding the dynamics of sexual encounters but also about empowering yourself:
Reclaiming Your Voice: Your voice, your choices, and your boundaries matter. Understanding consent and permission helps you regain control over your own body and decisions.
Overcoming Self-Blame: Many survivors wrestle with self-blame, feeling as though they could have done something differently. Remember, sexual assault is never your fault, regardless of how permission may have been perceived. Your assailant is solely responsible for their actions.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: Learning about consent and permission encourages you to set healthy boundaries in all aspects of your life. It's a vital step towards self-preservation and self-care.
Seeking Support
Recovering from sexual assault is a challenging journey, and you don't have to go through it alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or professional therapists can provide you with the guidance and assistance you need.
Therapy and Counseling: A qualified therapist can help you process your trauma, explore your feelings, and develop coping strategies to move forward.
Support Groups: Connecting with other survivors can be incredibly empowering. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others who have overcome similar challenges can be a source of strength.
Self-Care: Practicing self-care, such as meditation, exercise, and artistic expression, can help you reconnect with yourself and rebuild your self-esteem.
Conclusion
Reclaiming your power after a sexual assault is a courageous and transformative journey. Remember that you are not alone, and your healing is possible. By understanding the difference between consent and permission, you can empower yourself and release the weight of guilt and self-blame. It is not your fault. Your path to recovery is about rediscovering your strength and resilience, and with the right support, you can break free from the trauma and embrace a brighter future.
