Maine Maritime Academy

Department of Residential Life

 

Sexual Assault Resources

RECOVERY

If you have been sexually assaulted, you are likely to experience an initial crisis period which may include the following:

• emotional shock

• denial

• nightmares

• sleeplessness

• flashbacks

• changes in appetite

• feeling of guilt, depression, self-blame, or anger

There are many ways of working through this trauma:

• seeing counselors regularly or attending support groups

• relying on family and friends

• taking self-defense courses like RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) to reduce helplessness

• bringing their assailant up on charges  to restore their sense of integrity and power

But however you approach your recovery, it is most important that you do not isolate yourself.  Spend time with people who believe and support you.   Spend time with people who can assist you without trying to control you and can help you sort out what you need to do in order to take care of yourself.