Put the Focus on Victims
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Help Victims Heal

    I won't be a victim forever. I will always remember, but ultimately, I'll move on
    . . . soothed by the fact that my soul is strong and my spirit unbreakable.1

—Victim

Sexual violence poses significant challenges to victims' physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual well-being. A number of factors have an impact on victims' healing, including2

  • The facts surrounding the sexual assault.
  • Victims' abilities to cope with emotionally challenging situations.
  • Stressful events preceding sexual assaults.
  • Support systems already in place.

This section reviews methods used to ease recovery (e.g., encouraging victims to take control, creating a directory of referral resources), address victims' specific concerns (e.g., safety, health care), and recognize signs of recovery.