Sexual Assault Awareness Month occurs annually in April and is organized by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to raise awareness of and prevent sexual violence. The CDC reports that nearly one in five women in the U.S. have been raped and 45 percent of women have experienced sexual violence other than rape at some point in their lifetime. This translates into a large number of women currently dealing with the aftereffects of sexual assault.
Depression is common following sexual assault: nearly one in three victims experiences at least one major depressive episode in their lives, and 17 percent of rape victims attempt suicide. Sexual assault is also the most frequent cause of posttraumatic stress disorder in women. It is not uncommon for women to turn to substance abuse or other addictive behaviors in an attempt to relieve emotional suffering and control symptoms resulting from their trauma.
There is a stigma associated with sexual assault that prevents women from asking for and receiving the help they need. Women who do seek help relating to their trauma often experience feelings of anger, shame and guilt that interfere with the recovery process.
Brookhaven Retreat maintains an all-female facility in order to create an emotionally safe environment in which women may discuss sensitive issues such as rape and sexual assault. Women regain emotional health by working through trauma using a variety of therapies and find the healing, self-esteem and love that creates wellness.
Brookhaven Retreat supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month’s campaign to prevent sexual assault and dedicates itself to helping women recover from the mental effects of trauma and regain emotional wellness following sexual assault.
