Blog
Violence Is the End; Misogyny Grows in Stages.
Sexual violence is a serious part of a bigger issue called gender-based violence (GBV). This includes all kinds of harmful behaviour aimed at someone because of their gender, like physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Although it can happen to anyone, it’s a problem that mainly affects women and girls.
It’s often misunderstood or brushed off in casual conversations. How many times have you heard someone say, “How could that happen?” “It came out of nowhere.” “He seemed like a normal guy.” when hearing about a violent incident?
And why do those reactions keep happening?
[TW: Mentions of sexual, & physical violence, femicide, victim-blaming]
[Read Time: 7 - 10mins]
Understanding Nightmares, Night Terrors, & Sleep Problems
Our Support Worker, Rhiannon, has pulled together this blog post on nightmares, night terrors, and sleep problems. In this post she explains the difference between nightmares, and night terrors, how they may impact you, and self-care tips for sleep.
[Read Time: 4-5 mins]What to do if an adult tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted or raped
It can be really difficult to know what to say if an adult shares with you that they have been sexually assaulted or raped. I always think that they key is ultimately about the following three things: listen, validate, support.
Listen. Give them your full attention in a safe space. Let them use their own words, without rushing them or interrupting.
Validate. Believe and validate the person’s experience and accept that there is no right or wrong way to act following a sexual attack. Crying and shaking, still and silent – all totally normal.
Support. Be there with them whilst they decide on their next steps. Check if they need medical help and support them accessing those services. Remember not to force your opinion of what they ‘should’ do.
It’s Not Goodbye, But See You Later
[Read time: 1-2 mins]
The 27th of August, marks a bittersweet day for the Star Centre as we bid farewell to our lead Advocacy Worker, Pamela.
Understanding Trauma & Triggers
Our Support Worker, Rhiannon, has pulled together this blog post on trauma and triggers. Triggers are a common occurrence for survivors of trauma, and survivors of sexual trauma are no different. In this post she explains what triggers are, how they may effect survivors of sexual violence, and self-care tips for those experiencing triggers.
[Read time: 6-8 mins]
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