Helpin g Su r vivor s of Pow er -Based Violen ce You can help people impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or another form of power-based violence by knowing the common reactions people have to trauma and how to help someone impacted.
Th e Im pact of Tr au m a A person who has been impacted by violence has undergone a traumatic experience. Although knowing someone who needs help can be uncomfortable or frightening, it's important for each of us to do what we can to help someone who is trying to cope with trauma. Everyone deals with traumatic experiences differently, and there is no "normal" or "wrong" reaction to trauma. However, there are some common reactions that people have after they've experienced trauma, including: Exacer bat ion of ch allen ges the person had prior to In t h e im m ediat e af t er m at h of the traumatic event (mental health, physical vict im izat ion , t h e per son m ay act or f eel: problems, drug/alcohol use). - Confused, Disoriented, or Distracted In cr eased an xiet y or developing an anxiety - Scared disorder. While several anxiety disorders are - Angry common, the most common is Post-Traumatic Stress - Hurt or Betrayed Disorder (PTSD). PTSD may cause the person to be hyper-vigilant (recognizing reminders of the trauma - Numb or Avoidant in their life), which often results in depression, - In Denial insomnia, avoidant behaviors, or substance abuse. - Sad or Depressed - Anxious, Panicked, or "Hysterical" Depr ession . Some people feel as though they are unable to fully live as they once lived or face their - Withdrawn friends and family. This isolation may result in the - Hypersexual or Hyposexual person becoming clinically depressed. -
Disor der ed eat in g. People who have undergone trauma often feel the need to regain control of their lives. Exerting this control over food intake and/or exercise can result in the development of anorexia, bulimia, exercise bulimia, or other disordered eating.
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Su bst an ce u se or abu se. Survivors of trauma often seek to numb the pain, avoid reminders of the incident, and regain a sense of normalcy. Alcohol and other drugs may help the person feel like they can function? either by numbing the pain, distracting them, or by keeping them awake.
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Self -in ju r y. The pain of trauma can be overwhelming. Self-injury may cause the person to feel and release intense emotional pain in a physical way.
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Hyper sexu alit y. People who have experienced violence, especially rape, often have a need to feel in control of their choices. As a result, survivors may become hypersexual (having consensual sex with many different people or as much as possible with one person). Making consensual sexual decisions may help the person, in the short-term, to feel as if they are ?normal? and in control of their own life.
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Con sider in g su icide. Confronting a changed life can be scary, confusing, and overwhelming and people who have experienced trauma may consider committing suicide. If som eon e you k n ow is t alk in g abou t h u r t in g t h em selves or som eon e else, it 's im por t an t t o t ak e act ion qu ick ly an d con t act 911.
How t o Help a Su r vivor - Don't ign or e, avoid, or isolat e t h e per son or pr oblem . You may feel afraid that you might say or do the wrong thing and make the situation worse. Ignoring the problem may make the person feel as if you don't care and could isolate them. If you feel like someone isn't listening to your advice or concerns, try to be patient with them and keep letting them know you care.
- Use " I" st at em en t s & avoid pr essin g f or det ails. Invite the person to share as much or as little as they'd like. Even if you have good intentions, "why" questions about the incident (like "why did you...") or "you" statements about the person's behavior afterward (like "you're drinking too much") can make it seem like you are blaming the person impacted. "I" statements can help you let someone know you are worried ("I've noticed you've been drinking more often") without blaming them.
- Don?t assu m e t h at t h ey can ju st ?get over it ." People who have experienced trauma can, and do, live healthy and normal lives, but a person may never feel the same or see the world in the same way again. It's important to never tell someone to "go back to normal."
- Su ggest t h ey seek h elp ? w it h ou t f or ce or pr essu r e. Offer options, but unless you think they are in immediate danger and need to call 911, don?t force them to take any actions, like reporting an assault. You can offer to go with them to a confidential resource ? it can help it feel less intimidating.
- Get su ppor t an d in f or m at ion f or you r self . It can be helpful for you to talk to a professional who is bound by confidentiality. This can help you know what to do and give you a safe place to talk about your thoughts and feelings. You are welcome to talk with a CARE Advocate.
- Keep t h e per son's in f or m at ion con f iden t ial. Don?t talk about their issues with other people (unless required). They may not be comfortable with others knowing and there may be safety concerns depending on the situation. However, if someone you know is talking about hurting themselves or someone else, it's important to take action quickly and call 911. - Many University of Maryland employees are considered Responsible University Employees (RUEs) and are required to report instances of sexual misconduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct. RUEs should tell a person disclosing or potentially disclosing about this requirement as early as possible. - All UMD employees are required to report current and past instances of child abuse/neglect. - Visit OCRSM's website for more information on reporting.
CARE to Stop Violence University Health Center Ground Floor health.umd.edu/ care uhc-care@umd.edu
24/7 Crisis Line 301.741.3442 Fall & Spring Semesters
@CAREUMD CARE to Stop Violence is the f r ee, con f iden t ial advocacy and therapy service for UMD community members who have been or know someone who has been impacted by sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and other unwanted experiences. During the Fall and Spring semesters, advocates are available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM by appointment at the CARE office, or virtually, and are available 24/7 on the crisis cell. Advocates provide emotional support, crisis intervention, and information about and access to resources including: medical and mental health care options, housing assistance, legal assistance, financial assistance, limited academic support, and information about and assistance with reporting options. Con f iden t ial cam pu s r esou r ces: University Health Center (UHC) UHC Behavioral Health Services UHC Faculty Staff Assistance Counseling Center University Chaplains If unsure, ask about the confidentiality policy before disclosing.