(Posted 2025 April)
When news hits the front page with details of allegations of abuse of power manifested through sexual violations, survivors of sexual trauma report they are often forced psychologically and emotionally to relive their own experiences of sexual violence. These disturbing and intrusive memories have no respect for boundaries. These memories don’t ask the survivor whether it is OK or convenient to take chunks of time from their days, their lives, their well-being. Intrusive memories interfere whether violations occurred yesterday or many years ago.
It’s one of the many devastations of sexual violence. The life-long impact on the survivor and the sheer resilience it takes to carry on despite the devastation is heroic. Typically, intrusive memories come with no forewarning that this event, this news story, this memory will be the reminder to the survivor of what they endured. The vestiges of sexual trauma show up unannounced, unwelcomed, unanticipated, and, at times, unrelenting.
If we are to truly be community, we are each personally responsible to educate ourselves about what constitutes sexual violence and to do our best not to be complicit. Sexual violence thrives in silence.
Learn more about sexual violence and myriad ways we can intervene as bystanders. Interested in learning more about Domestic and Sexual Violence Services’ community education services? Please visit our Outreach and Education Services webpage. If you would like DSVS or one of our partners to conduct a presentation or training for your community group, please complete an online request form.
If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 for resources and support. If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
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