Support for Victims of Sexual Assault and Others Dealing with Traumatic Stress: A Message from the Trauma Response Network

By Patricia Contente and Paulette Renault-Caragianes

When someone you care about reports being sexually

assaulted, reaching out for help can be the first step towards healing. The

impact of sexual assault is not confined to those directly impacted. News of

sexual assault can trigger traumatic stress in people previously impacted by

it. Even those who do not have a personal history that has been impacted by

sexual assault can find themselves dealing with a range of emotions—anger,

sadness and worry.

Anyone burdened by these normal reactions to a painful event

must know this: You are not alone. There are experienced, trained people who

will listen to you, believe you, understand and support you, and keep

everything in confidence. The Somerville Health Department’s Trauma Response

Network at 857-221-0942 can provide the support you need and connect you with

other resources, such as the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC), which has

a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371. The BARCC hotline is staffed by

knowledgeable sexual assault crisis counselors who also offer support and

educational information for parents, family and friends. More information is

available online at www.barcc.org.

Trauma can impact people differently. You may have a

physical reaction, like changes in appetite, sleeping behavior or feeling

physically ill. You may feel frustrated, irritable, nervous or even guilty,

with rapid mood swings.  You may find

yourself worried about your alcohol intake or drug use as you try to wend your

way through a difficult and painful situation. You could have difficulty

concentrating or making decisions, burdened by questions of faith, and changes

in your social behavior, including isolating yourself from others or finding it

hard to be alone. All of this is within the range of normal and can vary from

person to person.

You may even find yourself feeling unburdened in the

immediate wake of the news and carrying on, perhaps with magnified resolve and

strength, only to find days, weeks or months later that you’re once again

feeling deep feelings of sadness and fear, and that’s normal too. Whether you

need help immediately or in the future, compassionate and understanding people

are always available to give you the help you need, when you need it. Also know

that calling for support does not obligate you in any way. When you make a call

to an anonymous crisis line, you are in control of how long you talk and what

you choose to disclose. Maybe you need someone to reassure you, or maybe you

need to reassure yourself that the support is there. Whatever you feel

comfortable doing, know that the door is always open and it does not close

behind you.

In addition to reaching out for confidential support, there

are other ways you can take care of yourself when dealing with traumatic

stress. Because responses to trauma can be physical, remember to slow down,

breathe and drink water to help clean out your system. Get as much rest as

possible, but also get exercise and stay active while knowing your limits. Also

take care of yourself emotionally and socially. Connect with people you care

about, try to avoid stressful situations and be patient with yourself. Reach

out to your spiritual or faith community if it feels right to you, or talk to

someone else you feel comfortable with, and let people know what you need. Don’t

be hard on yourself. Take time for yourself. A great resource for stress

reduction strategies is www.helpguide.org.

Healing is not only seeking the support you feel that you

need and taking care of yourself. Regular day-to-day activities may feel funny

to you, or you may feel guilty enjoying yourself, but these are important steps

in healing as well. It’s OK to laugh. It’s OK to go to a movie, play with your

kids or a pet, or whatever you normally enjoy.

Wherever you are in your healing process, remember that

people react differently to traumatic stress, remember to take care of yourself

and that whatever you are experiencing is normal. Above all else, please

remember: You don’t have to go through this alone.

Important phone numbers:

Somerville Trauma Response Network:              857-221-0942

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24-hour hotline:   800-841-8371

Clinical Youth Specialist:                                     617-625-6600

ext. 4325

Somerville Teen Connection at SHS:                    617-575-5690

Guidance Center Referral Line:                            617-354-2275

Cambridge Health Alliance Referral – Adults:        617-591-6033

Cambridge Health Alliance Referral – Kids:           617-665-3458

Mass. Substance Use Helpline:                            800-327-5050

Patricia Contente is the director

of the Somerville Trauma Response Network within the Somerville Health Department. Paulette Renault-Caragianes is the

director of the Somerville Department of Health.