When someone gets sexually abused, they face a lot of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and, of course, post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of the victims go as far as experiencing PTSD, nightmares, as well as some mental-related issues.
If sexual abuse cases are left unattended, some of the victims could resolve to suicidal thoughts, and more often than not, they actually do commit suicide. Others can take to the streets as insane individuals.
But with the assistance of support groups, it’s sighted that these sets of individuals would heal and thrive. And this article is all about explaining how support organizations help in comforting, as well as the diverse strategies they use.
Popular Support Groups for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
One of the most well-known is RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). They offer online and in-person support groups, along with a 24/7 hotline where trained counselors are always ready to listen. For many, just having that option to reach out anytime and speak to someone who gets it can be a lifeline that keeps them sane and safe.
Another group, Survivors of Incest Anonymous (SIA), runs similar to a 12-step program but is specifically designed for survivors. SIA is peer-led, meaning it’s fellow survivors who guide the discussions and provide support. This of course helps create a space that is uniquely understanding and empathetic.
There’s also Pandora’s Project, which started as an online community but has since grown to offer both online and in-person support for survivors. They focus on creating safe spaces where survivors can share stories, ask questions, and discuss recovery openly.
And for young people, Teen Survivors is a dedicated group for teens and young adults dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault Support Groups Encourage Coping Skills and Job Empowerment for Victims
Studies have reported that 50% of women and ⅓ of the male folks have a case of sexual abuse. Many of these victims usually have one to turn to.
However, in many communities, there exist some support groups that can aid victims of sexual abuse to effectively handle the stressful situation through coping mechanisms.
Usually, these trained therapists prefer having an interaction with the victims one at a time. Other times, the counselors could gather the victims together and engage in profitable conversation with them.
Most support organizations go as far as providing jobs for the victims, just to assist them in getting back on their feet.
Support Groups Use Different Forms of Strategies
In healing victims, some support organizations with skilled therapists, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centers (SARCs), make use of three methods:
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is directed at aiding victims who experience PTSD as a result of sexual abuse.
In this strategy, the counselor informs the victim to make an account of the traumatic experience, which acts as a memory flashback. The victim is told to narrate the ordeal in detail.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The next method on our list is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, where therapists assist victims in substituting bad thoughts with optimistic ones. With this strategy, the counselor aims to wipe away the victim’s feelings of depression and anxiety.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The next line is trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (T-CBT). Although it mirrors CBT in the title, the two carry different meanings, as CBT is aimed at both adults and kids. On the other hand, T-CBT is particularly positioned for kids and teens.
The strategy also applies to teens between the ages of 14 to 18. T-CBT is geared at reducing the trauma and scars these kids experienced from a sexual assault.
