This month we have focussed on the facts and figures of women who experience sexual trauma, how it impacts them, and what a day in the life of a woman may look like, and now it is time to share how you can cope with sexual trauma, where to go and who to call in times of extreme difficulty.
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Sexual trauma can take a huge toll on your mental and physical health which can make it easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy coping mechanisms. While many of these have instant gratification, in the long run they will make everything more difficult and have long-lasting negative effects that can be difficult to escape.
Emotions after sexual trauma can be extreme and can form in the shape of guilt, shame, and confusion. Likewise, it can also cause mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, coping mechanisms that have instant gratification can seem like the easiest way forward, but we promise it will only make things worse.
So, to find out some healthy coping mechanisms read our blog: https://www.strengtheningher.co.uk/post/finding-happiness-after-sexual-trauma
Despite all of these mechanisms, one thing we cannot re-iterate enough is that you do not have to do this alone.
Many women who face sexual trauma stay silent, whether that is due to lack of trust in the system, or they feel like it’s their own fault, or feel like they will be judged and shamed.
However, there are people you can talk to, and places to go to find safety.
Kami Nuttall (Creator of StrengtheningHER) is a qualified Hypnotherapist. Hypnotherapy is a therapy technique often used by sexual trauma victims that helps to heal the mind and body.
To find out more read our blog on hypnotherapy and why it may help you:
OR contact Kami directly via the number displayed at the bottom of this page or email:
The StrengtheningHER Facebook group welcomes all women survivors of sexual trauma and women who face mental health problems. IT is a safe space that allows you to speak up, build connections with others in similar situations, and have access to free resources such as workbooks, activities, meditations, breathing techniques, and more.
However, if you are in danger and need to speak to someone, please do visit your GP.
Likewise, there are multiple phone-lines and websites you can access for help:
call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
the police, or dial 101
in an emergency, dial 999
Voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, or The Survivors Trust
24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
the Rape Crisis national freephone helpline on 0808 802 9999 (12 to 2.30pm and 7 to 9.30pm every day of the year)
Hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
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