Sexual Assault Awareness Month

From Pathway Counseling Center

In light of sexual assault awareness month, it is important to remember that survivors suffer lifelong consequences following the attack. Nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 39 men will have been raped at some point in their lives. Additionally, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men will be coerced into sexual acts. Sexual assault devastates the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year. Everyone, no matter their age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, can be a survivor of sexual assault. Not only is the physical act of sexual assault life shattering, but the emotional aftermath of coming forth with one’s story can be just as brutal.

The world we live in makes it difficult for women and men to come forward. However, with movements like #MeToo it is becoming less taboo and survivors are being taken seriously and believed. Many sexual assault survivors are met with victim shaming responses instead of empathy and praise for being brave. It is extremely brave for a survivor to speak their truth because once it is spoken the aftermath to follow can be almost too much to bear. There are many unjust consequences that survivors are forced to endure. Many experience mental and physical health concerns for months to years after the assault. Many experience financial difficulty due to court costs and loss of income if their assaulter was their partner or family member. Many also fear for not only their own safety, but the safety of children and family after they have come forward with the truth. The aftermath of coming forward with your sexual assault experience is brave, scary, and painful. The pain, shame, hurt, grief, and fear are the reasons why we need to believe survivors.

In June Pathway Counseling Center will be organizing a display called the Aftermath. The Aftermath will display the long-term effects of sexual assault on survivors and will dispel the myth that survivors are lying for attention. The aftermath is real and that is why we should believe survivors. The Aftermath will be displayed in collages, paintings, written word, and photography at the Iowa City Public Library all of June. To submit pieces please contact Tiffany Flowers at tiffanydflowers@gmail.com

If you or someone you know is interested in talking to a trauma informed therapist Pathway Counseling Center is accepting clients. To schedule an appointment please call 319-774-3160 and visit our website at https://pathwaycounselingcenter.net

For other resources check out the Domestic Violence Intervention Program at  https://dvipiowa.org and the Women’s Resource and Action Center at  https://wrac.uiowa.edu/ or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673)