If you’re reading this, it may be because you or someone you love has been affected by sexual assault. First and foremost, we want to say that we are deeply sorry. No one deserves to experience this kind of trauma. You are not alone, and there is hope. Healing is possible.
Sexual assault is one of the most underreported, misunderstood, and painful crimes in our society. It doesn’t just hurt in the moment—it leaves invisible wounds that can linger for years. And tragically, it happens far more often than many realize.
According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. In fact, 34% of victims are under the age of 12. It’s estimated that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in the United States will experience an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. These numbers don’t include countless others who may have experienced other forms of sexual violence or who never told anyone.
The trauma of sexual assault doesn’t end when the assault does. Survivors are often left to navigate a confusing, frequently unhelpful system. For every 1,000 sexual assaults, only 310 are reported to police, and only 25 results in conviction and incarceration. That means 975 out of 1,000 perpetrators walk free. For many survivors, this statistic is a second betrayal—an agonizing reminder that justice can be elusive.
So, where do we go from here? How do we talk about sexual assault with compassion and clarity? How do we create communities where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered to heal?
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. This includes a wide range of actions—rape, attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, sexual harassment, and coercion. It can happen to anyone: children, teenagers, adults, seniors —regardless of gender, race, orientation, or socioeconomic background.
Consent must be clear, coherent, willing, and ongoing. If a person is unable to consent due to age, intoxication, unconsciousness, or disability, then any sexual act committed against them is an act of sexual assault.
Unfortunately, myths about sexual assault persist. Victims are often blamed—subtly or overtly—for what they were wearing, how much they drank, or whether they “led someone on.” But let’s be clear: Sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. It is an act of power and control. Survivors deserve respect, not judgment.
Trauma
Trauma is the emotional, physical, and psychological response to a deeply disturbing or distressing event. It affects how a person thinks, feels, and reacts to the world around them. Sexual assault trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, flashbacks, trouble sleeping, emotional numbness, and even physical symptoms like chronic pain or headaches.
Trauma is not just a mental health issue—it’s a body and soul issue. Survivors may feel disconnected from themselves, mistrustful of others, or even ashamed of what happened. Some may not even realize that what they experienced was assault, especially if it involved someone they knew and trusted.
What’s important to understand is that trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal events. Everyone processes trauma differently, and there is no “right” way to cope or heal.
Healing
Healing after sexual assault is a deeply personal journey, and it doesn’t happen overnight. Healing is not about “getting over it” or forgetting what happened, it’s about reclaiming one’s life, voice, and sense of safety. It can include therapy, support groups, spiritual growth, medical care, and establishing healthy boundaries.
Some survivors find healing through advocacy, creativity, or helping others. Others take comfort in their faith, family, or quiet routines. For many, healing involves learning to love and trust themselves again.
Healing is not linear. There will be good days and hard days. But with time, support, and compassion, healing is absolutely possible.
Supporting Your Own Healing
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, the most important thing to know is…You are not alone, and it was not your fault.
You have the right to feel whatever you’re feeling—anger, sadness, confusion, numbness, fear. Those emotions are valid. You also have the right to take whatever steps feel safe and supportive for your healing journey. That may include:
- Talking to someone: Whether it’s a therapist, a trusted friend, or a crisis counselor, speaking out loud can help release the burden of silence.
- Seeking medical care: You deserve compassionate, trauma-informed medical support. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) can provide both physical care and evidence collection in a respectful, safe environment.
- Practicing self-care: Your body and mind have been through trauma. Rest. Eat. Journal. Breathe. Move. Cry. Laugh. Do whatever helps you feel grounded and safe.
- Setting boundaries: It’s okay to say no to conversations, relationships, or environments that don’t feel safe. Your healing should be your top priority.
Most of all, give yourself grace. Healing is hard work, and you’re doing the best you can.
Helping Someone You Care About
If someone you care about tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted, your response matters more than you may ever realize. Survivors often test the water by telling just one person. How you respond can either open the door to healing or shut it.
Here are some simple but powerful things you can do:
- Believe them: Say, “I believe you.” Don’t question the details. Survivors are often afraid they won’t be believed. Your trust can be a turning point in their healing.
- Avoid blame: Even unintentional questions like “Why were you there?” or “Why didn’t you tell someone sooner?” can feel like judgment. Instead, say: “I’m so sorry that happened to you. It wasn’t your fault.”
- Offer support, not solutions: Let the survivor decide what steps they want to take. Say, “I’m here for you,” or “I can go with you if you want help.”
- Educate yourself: Learn about trauma responses, consent, and local resources to be a more effective and empathetic support system.
Your love and patience may be exactly what your friend or family member needs to take the next step toward healing.
Find Help and Support
Support is available. You do not have to walk this road alone.
If you are in the Pasadena, Texas, area or surrounding communities, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters is here to help. We are committed to offering survivors compassionate, confidential care. We provide:
- On-site Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are nurses trained to provide medical care and collect forensic evidence in a trauma-informed setting. This reduces the need to go to emergency rooms, which can sometimes add to the trauma.
- Crisis counseling and advocacy for survivors of all ages and backgrounds.
- Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and long-term support for victims of violence.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call The Bridge’s 24/7 free and confidential hotline at 713-473-2801. Someone is always available to talk with you, listen without judgment, and help you understand your options.
You can also visit RAINN or call the national sexual assault hotline at 800-656-HOPE(4673) for immediate help anywhere in the U.S.
The Work Ahead
Sexual assault is not just a personal issue—it’s a community issue, a justice issue, and a human rights issue. It will take all of us to change the culture that allows it to thrive. That means:
- Teaching consent and respect from a young age.
- Supporting survivors with compassion and resources.
- Holding perpetrators accountable through legal reform and cultural change.
- Investing in trauma-informed services like SANE exams, mental health care, and long-term support.
It also means breaking the silence. Talking about sexual assault is uncomfortable, but staying silent protects no one.
We believe in a world where survivors are believed and supported, children are protected, and no one has to suffer in silence. Until then, we are committed to being a refuge and a resource for those in need.
If this article has brought up difficult emotions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There is no shame in asking for help. There is only strength.
If you need help, please call The Bridge’s 24/7 confidential hotline at 713-473-2801. Or live chat in the bottom right corner of this page.
We are here for you. You are not alone.
