How do I find help if I’ve experienced sexual abuse?
First, it’s most important that you know that what happened wasn’t your fault, you didn’t do anything to deserve that to happen, and that we believe you. We know searching for help and support can feel confusing, and maybe overwhelming, and of course—everyone’s experience is unique and the impact is different—but help is absolutely available! Healing and recovery is possible. We are so glad you’re here.
How to ask for help after sexual abuse
You may be wondering how to ask for help; it understandably can feel scary and confusing. You might even feel nervous or embarrassed because you were coerced into feeling like what happened was okay or your fault. We are here to tell you that you absolutely deserve to get help and support, and there are people in your life who care about you, and want to make sure that you are safe, happy and healthy.
You get to decide when and to whom you tell about what you went through. This is your story, and now you get to decide what happens next. While we always encourage people to seek out support from those around them, it’s important that you feel safe and/or ready to talk to someone about what happened.
If you have just experienced sexual abuse, you should call 911 or go to your local emergency room to make sure you are physically okay and to get connected with support.
Finding help after sexual abuse
Many people, both youth and adults find it helpful to work with a therapist, particularly one who specializes in trauma or sexual abuse. Therapy can help support you to process any trauma, to regain your sense of control and self-worth, and allows for healing and personal growth. You can go through your doctor or your insurance company to find a specialized therapist like this. But there are some specific places you can look to find a therapist near you.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network): They can be called at 1.800.656.HOPE or via chat through their website, which will connect you with your local rape crisis center.
NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center): Maintains a directory of organizations on their website for survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
You can also reach out to local mental health centers in your area and ask if they have any therapists or counselors who work with survivors of sexual abuse.
Our resource list for Adult Survivors can also be helpful for information and support.
Support for youth after sexual abuse
If you are still under age and under the care of a parent or guardian, you may need to ask for assistance in getting help like a therapist. Again, you might be nervous about how to ask for this type of help; perhaps you’re worried about how your parents will react.
You might want to first write down what you’d like to say or practice saying it out loud or with another person, like a close trusted friend. You could even take what you’ve written and then give that to a safe adult in your life to read it. Or perhaps you have a friend that could sit with you while you asked the adults in your life to help you.
You might also want to check in with a school counselor or your doctor if that is available to you, as they might be able to support you in finding help and even talking with your parents.
No matter what, you don’t have to go through this alone. Our Blog: Where can youth find help after sexual abuse? can help you approach a conversation with an adult in your life.
Our helpline is here to support you in taking the next steps towards finding support and healing.