When will life feel normal?
At the start of the anti-sexual violence movement, there was a long-fought battle in court and legal systems to recognize that sexual violence was a crime. To be able to identify as a “victim” in the eyes of the law meant something to survivors. For some, it offered opportunities for justice, safety, and a path to healing. It meant that in the eyes of the state, their voices and experiences were seen. Sexual violence was not OK in the eyes of the law. As time went on, survivors expanded their understanding. Some did not want to be seen simply as victims in the eyes of the law. They also wanted to be seen for their resilience. They SURVIVED a crime against them and a real trauma. They have a great capacity to heal from that trauma.
Our counselors often get questions about survivors: When will this hurt go away? When will my trial finally happen? When will I feel like I can date again? When will life feel normal again?
Our counselor, Alicia, recently wrote a blog talking about the nature of #When. The fact is, we all have the ability to begin doing what we need to make our life happen the way want it too. #When can be #NOW.
#Thriver Week 7 Challenge
For our Day 7 #Thriver Walk Challenge, we want to challenge you to take a walk off the beaten path. Go somewhere that you haven’t gone before. Find a trail or creek walk nearby. Give yourself a new adventure today. The fact is, healing looks a lot of different ways for a lot of different #Thrivers in our community.
There is no right or wrong answer. Know that you have the power to make healing happen, whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you have. Do not fear taking a road less traveled. So many #Thrivers benefit from seeing the courage and experiences of others around them. It’s ok to try new things and set a new example for what healing looks like!
Be a #Thriver!
Are you ready to make our community a safer place? Say NO MORE to sexual assault, and build a safer community by raising funds to support services for survivors and prevention work in our community! Survivors will hear you when you say that you’re committed to making the community a safer place.
Download the #ThriverWalk Activity Guide or attend our In-Person Event at Summer Fest to learn more.