Getting ready to share

Guest_10579
Community Member

When I was 14/15 I was sexually assaulted at a party. For years and years I felt shame as I was very drunk and therefore  ‘allowed’ or ‘asked for’ the assault to happen. I was embarrassed and felt it was my fault. Years and years later I’m at an art exhibition for SA survivors and start reading stories. Stories like mine. I have a light bulb moment that what happened to me wasn’t my fault. I felt huge relief but was unable to speak to anyone because I simply don’t know how to bring it up. So I pushed it down again. Now with the college case in America where a woman was assaulted by 7 men with 50 others being part of the chat, the memories have come back. I have no desire to press charges or anything like that. I would just like to build the courage to tell people….

5 Replies 5

white knight
Community Champion

Hi, welcome

 

I admire such courage displayed in your post. I'm 70yo male, been among groups of men all my life from AirForce days to many other jobs, let me say I know the many variations of men.

 

It is clear as day to me that you didnt ask for anything resembling sexual activity and your state allowed someone to take advantage of the situation. 

 

Re: " I felt huge relief but was unable to speak to anyone because I simply don’t know how to bring it up." This is the strongest reason people have therapy, to release the mental burden that you tow around with you for life. Then allow time to do the rest of the healing. The process of therapy is like- attend, talk, be understood then eventually - accept as far as you can accept. Then allow time to do the rest of the healing. There's also a problem with immersing yourself into similar events online as it's like reliving the past. 

 

There is also illnesses that can be associated with a traumatic experience, like PTSD. Without professional care these illnesses might not ever allow you to live a normal life, it can be that traumatic. Guilt is another factor and you've had that post that experience. 

 

My association with men is vast. There are some really good men out there, but there is a section of men that even as a former prison officer I'm wary to communicate to. As a 14/15yo girl you had little hope under the circumstances to defend yourself. 

 

I hope you get the care you need. There are few options but the professional care you can get will help you mark out your future emotional state and a happier life. Here is a post that could help. Reply anytime and thankyou for this post because it can help many others in a similar position.

 

 https://forums.beyondblue.org.au/t5/staying-well/guilt-the-tormentor/td-p/321604

 

TonyWK

 

hey as another sexual assault survivor from when i was 14/15 i just want to say that i'm proud of you for speaking out, even if it is anonymous right now. you deserved so much better than what happened to you and even speaking on here is a huge step. 

Thank you. It’s nice to be heard. Saying these things out loud, even in written form releases some of the mountain of feelings I have about my experience. 
My healing is beginning 

Thank you 

I think that because of my age, the situation etc, I never actually considered it an assault. It was always a shameful incident that occurred with my friends because I let it happen. I now know that’s not the case and I’m slowly releasing the shame I have carried for years. 
I’m still not ready to tell anyone in my real world but maybe I don’t need to and sharing here will help.

Everything about your recovery is for you, the way you go about it, the speed, the sorrow. There are many trustworthy kind men out there that would feel kindness towards you and are good people. 

 

Life is an opportunity, that can include major hurdles. Fly over them

 

TonyWK