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Questions on reporting sexual assault

The-red-centaurSenior Contributor13 Dec 2017, 5:56 pm AEDT

Questions on reporting sexual assault

So... I was sexually assaulted in the psych ward last year. I never reported it though. But now I've been thinking I should. It's terrifying me but after talking to my psychologist today I think it's something I should do.
But I have questions if I decide to go down that path.

I don't actually remember the date. I spent a lot of time in the psych ward I don't remember which admission it happened. I also don't remember all the details. Will this impact the report.
I was also having a psychotic break down at the time so I don't know if anyone would believe me.
I also don't know if it's even worth reporting. I froze and let it happen.
And who do I even go to if I report it.

Anyway this shit is doing my head in and causing flashbacks. I don't know how to deal with it.

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In response to: Questions on reporting sexual assault

gymgirl240Senior Contributor10 Jan 2018, 4:23 pm AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

i have gone and reported mine its just i struggle at trying to stop thinking about it and just wanted to know how others stopped thinking about it

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

MoonGalSenior Contributor10 Jan 2018, 8:42 pm AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@gymgirl240 - I hope maybe moderator's might have some information for you to help with your recalling the sexual assault and how to cope. Maybe @Former-Member? Or another Moderator?

Getting in touch with a sexual assault service in your area may help lots and would have lots of support and information about how best to find your way through the fear, constant thoughts about it etc.

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

Unknown userMember10 Jan 2018, 8:50 pm AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

Hi @gymgirl240
I don't know your story and I'm not in the right place to ask what it is right now, but I just want you to know that it's normal to not stop thinking about it even after it's reported and with time, and therapy and working through it not only will you think about it a lot less, but when you do it won't be as upsetting anymore.
For me in the beginning I would have to use distracting techniques - I didn't know what these were at the time, but playing computer games and reading got me through a lot of tough times.
Later and as an adult now I can 'reframe' what I'm thinking and it sounds strange, but going on here and talking to other people about it, helps me stop ruminating about it so much.
And finally talking to friends and family about it has been a blessing and helped a lot.
I hope things get easier soon and you get some mental respite too.

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

gymgirl240Senior Contributor10 Jan 2018, 9:04 pm AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@MoonGalthanks

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

gymgirl240Senior Contributor10 Jan 2018, 9:06 pm AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@Former-Memberthank you for your help and hope one day i can be fine again

In response to: Questions on reporting sexual assault

The-red-centaurSenior Contributor11 Jan 2018, 7:56 am AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@gymgirl240 have you ever contacted 1800RESPECT they are the national sexual assault and family violence helpline.

I use distraction and groundimg techniques to cope with flashbacks and other things that come up.
Exercise also helps me day to day.

Do you have a therapist you trust? I know for me having professional support to talk stuff through really helps.

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

gymgirl240Senior Contributor11 Jan 2018, 9:08 am AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@The-red-centaurthank you and yes i have given them a call and i do have a therapist that i trust and can talk to about my nightmares and my flashbacks and i goto the gym often but it has gotten to that point that i dont leave the house unless i have a family member with me as my attacker knows where i live

In response to: Questions on reporting sexual assault

The-red-centaurSenior Contributor11 Jan 2018, 9:54 am AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@gymgirl240 my perpetrator came to my house at Christmas, I know how that feels. I'm sorry you have to go through this too, it sucks.

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

gymgirl240Senior Contributor11 Jan 2018, 9:58 am AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

@The-red-centaurit does suck and at my age it is effecting my life and do you have sleepless nights

In response to: Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

Unknown userMember11 Jan 2018, 10:24 am AEDT

Re: Questions on reporting sexual assault

Thank you for the tag @MoonGal - yourself, @Former-Member and @The-red-centaur have some really helpful suggestions to cope with flashbacks and sexual assualt experiences, that is not easy to be dealing with at all @gymgirl240 especially with the lack of sleeping.

It is good you reported it and currently getting support from 1800RESPECT and a therapist, you also go to the gym for self care.

The other suggestion I have to to make your room a really safe place, so at night when you try going to sleep you feel calm and safe. This could be through smells; like candles (don't sleep with them lit up though), soft blankets, even nice music and salt lamps. Anything that helps you to feel more calm and comfortable and hopefully can help you to go to sleep. Something to think about anyway.

Has anything helped you to sleep in the past, or any other ditarctions you have found helpful? It is nice to meet you by the way 🙂

Lunar

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