She Strengthens

The Unseen Costs of Sexual Assault

As a survivor of sexual assault, I’m often asked to share my story, to relive the trauma and pain in order to raise awareness and spark change. But what about the financial toll of surviving sexual assault? The medical bills, the lost wages, the countless hours of therapy and self-care? These costs are often overlooked, yet they’re a harsh reality for many survivors.

A Lifetime of Trauma

For me, the costs of sexual assault have been staggering. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on therapy, medication, and self-care. I’ve lost days, even weeks, of work due to PTSD, anxiety, and depression. I’ve had to invest in safety measures, like pepper spray and self-defense classes, just to feel secure in my own skin. And yet, despite these expenses, I’m one of the “lucky” ones. I’ve never had to deal with the astronomical medical bills that come with severe physical injuries or the crushing legal fees that accompany seeking justice.

The Hidden Expenses

The costs of sexual assault don’t stop at medical bills and lost wages. There are the hidden expenses, the ones that add up over time, like the cost of stress eating or the price of constantly feeling on edge. For me, these expenses have included hundreds of dollars spent on candles, pillows, and blankets, all in an effort to create a sense of safety and comfort in my own home. They’ve included the cost of CBD products, over-the-counter sleep remedies, and prescription medication, all in an attempt to manage my insomnia and anxiety.

The Emotional Toll

But the costs of sexual assault go far beyond the financial. They’re emotional, mental, and spiritual. They’re the loss of control, the feeling of being trapped, the constant fear of being hurt again. They’re the panic attacks, the flashbacks, the nightmares. They’re the relationships lost, the friendships strained, the sense of self shattered.

A Call to Action

So what can you do to help? You can start by educating yourself about the realities of sexual assault. You can believe survivors when they come forward with their stories. You can advocate for policies that support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. You can donate to organizations that provide critical services to survivors, like Time’s Up, RAINN, and Safe Horizon. And you can show up for survivors in your life, offering them support, love, and understanding.

The Cost of Trauma

The cost of trauma is too high, and it’s not just survivors who bear the burden. It’s our families, our friends, our communities. It’s our society as a whole. So let’s work together to create a world where survivors are supported, where perpetrators are held accountable, and where the costs of sexual assault are finally acknowledged and addressed.