Everyone needs to rest and recover after trauma, and sometimes this does mean trying to escape from difficult feelings. However, the natural process is that post-traumatic stress manifestations do tend to slowly reduce over time. Feelings don’t last forever. They tend to come, go, come back, and go again, until they are fully processed. The only feelings that stick around for long periods are feelings you are putting off because of fear.
For most people, this process will only take a few weeks or months to move past the acute stage, although this may take longer if there is pre-existing trauma or the assault was particularly violent, terrifying, or involved betrayal. There are no rules to this work. It will take as long as it takes, and the pace is in your control.
In broad terms, the process of counselling for sexual assault trauma will go something like this:
Important note – This site not will give you all the information you need to do this work. We would encourage you to at least think about talking to a counsellor or a person experienced in working with trauma to help you in this process. Difficult memories should only be confronted in a safe environment. Give us a call on 02 6247 2525 to see how we can help.
The Canberra Rape Crisis Centre acknowledges that we conduct our work on the lands of the Ngunnawal & Ngambri People, Traditional Custodians of the Canberra region. We pay respect to First Nations Peoples and Elders past and present throughout the nation. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities, and acknowledge that lands were never ceded.
Canberra Rape Crisis Centre
Service Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
P.O Box 3805,
WESTON CREEK, ACT 2611
Admin & Business Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email crcc@crcc.org.au
Crisis Support & Services Information:
Crisis Phone Line (02) 6247 2525
Crisis Text Contact Only 0488 586 518
Crisis Email Contact crisis@crcc.org.au
Community Education & Training Enquiries:
Business Phone Line (02) 6287 3618
Email cep@crcc.org.au
CRCC is committed to excellence in service provision, intersectional feminism, access & equity, diversity & inclusion.
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