Last week, we discussed connections between mental health and risk for sexual violence perpetration. Today, we will take a look at the connections between mental health and experiencing sexual violence. First, it’s important to remember that many people who survive sexual assault, child, sexual abuse, rape, and other forms of sexual victimization experience those events as a trauma. This means that during the event, their brains and their bodies perceived the violent behavior is a severe risk to life and limb. The vast majority of sexual assault survivors will experience a freeze response during the assault. This natural body response can sometimes lead to survivors experiencing a sense of shame, doubt, or self Stigma and Discrimination: LGBTQ individuals often face stigma and discrimination, which can lead to stress, isolation, and mental health issues.
Lack of Access to Care: Many LGBTQ individuals lack access to culturally competent mental health care providers.
Conversion Therapy: Some LGBTQ individuals are subjected to conversion therapy, which can have devastating mental health consequences.
Importance of Support:
It’s crucial to provide support and resources to LGBTQ individuals to improve their mental health. Local Pride events create safer spaces and opportunities for connection. You can help by promoting inclusive environments and access to support & resources:
- Creating safe and inclusive environments: Schools, workplaces, and communities can take action to be welcoming and supportive of LGBTQ individuals.
- Providing access to critical health care: Ensuring that LGBTQ individuals have access to culturally competent mental & physical health providers.
- Educating the public: Raising awareness about LGBTQ mental health issues and dispelling myths and stereotypes that could cause violence, harm, or bullying.
- Supporting LGBTQ youth: Providing specific support and resources to LGBTQ youth, who are at a particularly high risk of mental health issues prevents abuse, trafficking, suicide, homelessness, and many more risk factors for health issues later on.
Where can you connect with SARCC staff at local pride events?
Glad you asked! SARCC will be hosting tables at local pride events in both Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties during the month of June.
Schuylkill County Pride Fest will takeplace at the Schuylkill County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 7, 2025. The event is hosted annually by Youth Empowerment and Support (YES) of Schuylkill County.
- Date: June 7, 2025
- Time: Noon to 5 p.m.
- Location: Schuylkill County Fairgrounds, 2270 Fair Rd, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17901
- Host: Youth Empowerment & Support (Y.E.S.)
- Type of Event: Pride Fest, celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community
- Cost: Free
Lebanon PA Pride will take place on Sunday, June 22, 2025 on 8th Street between Chestnut and Cumberland Streets in Lebanon City. Learn more at LebanonPAPride.com:
- Cost: Free
- Date: June 22, 2025Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
- Location: 8th Street, between Chestnut and Cumberland Streets, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Host: Lebanon PA Pride Volunteer Planning Committee
- Type of Event: Pride Fest, celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community
