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.