Initial Reactions

Typical initial reactions to victimization may include feeling on edge, denial of the event, being angry at everything, feeling fearful, or experiencing extreme loneliness, just to name a few. Some people will have a hard time believing they went through something so traumatizing, others will become angry and lash out, while some will process the event introspectively. There is no right way to feel or act after a traumatic event happens, and there is no wrong way either.

Most people’s initial reaction to victimization is a feeling of shock, or what mental health professionals call ‘emotional shock.’ Emotional shock, which is a part of the flight-fight-freeze response, is the brain’s way of dealing with an intense stressor where the brain is unable to process the situation and freezes itself to help protect the mind and body (Darcy, 2014). Symptoms of emotional shock can include numbness, inability to express emotions, difficulty with thinking or rationalizing, disassociation (disconnection from self), or the inability to speak or move (Gupta, 2023)⁸ . While it can be difficult to tell if you are in a state of emotional shock, the symptoms mentioned may show up as brain fog or lack of focus, feelings of depression or hopelessness, as well as physical symptoms such as stomachaches or headaches, or extreme exhaustion (Darcy, 2014). Emotional shock can be the reason some people go about their daily life after a traumatic event, reflecting how the brain has not allowed them to start processing what happened.

Another initial and very common reaction to victimization is sleep problems. This can show up as problems with insomnia, waking frequently during the night, or experiencing nightmares related to the event. For some, dreams become vivid reenactments of the trauma; for others, they’re anxiety-inducing, fragmented clips or thoughts of the event. The lack of restful sleep can further exacerbate other responses to trauma such as increased emotional distress, difficulties with coping skills, and can contribute to a decline in physical health. Specifically for insomnia, persistent insomnia after trauma can be linked to the later development of PTSD, depression, and chronic fatigue (Germain, 2013)⁹.

Unfortunately due to persistent stigma and victim blaming, other initial reactions may include trauma-related guilt shame, or self-blame. It’s not uncommon for survivors to second guess their decisions or actions leading up to the victimization with thoughts of what they “should have” or “should not have” done (Pugh et al., 2015)¹². This experience of repetitive self-blame and guilt, along with a persistent focus on the distressing event, may inhibit a survivor’s ability to move forward and lead to a cycle of rumination, further impacting their self-worth and sense of insecurity (Zahn et al., 2015). For other survivors, this trauma-related guilt may increase their anxiety and fear, resulting in the hypervigilance of their surroundings.

Once a person has experienced a victimization, it may be difficult for them to feel safe again with a study showing only 3 out of 10 people who have been victims of crime report feeling safe in their community after the event (Alliance for Safety and Justice)¹ . This lack of perceived safety can lead to an initial withdrawal after a victimization with the desire to avoid reminders of the event or avoid “putting on a brave face,” making survivors want to isolate from friends, family, and social situations (Khiron Clinics, 2020)¹⁰. While these feelings of guilt and self-blame for the victimization are common thoughts and beliefs that many survivors may have, the victimization is never the victim’s fault.

Short-Term Effects

Surviving a violent or life-altering event takes a toll on people mentally, physically, and emotionally. Survivors may experience short-term outcomes that may progress into clinically significant concerns. Others may experience a shift in the way they perceive the world around them, including difficulty trusting others, isolating from friends or family, or feeling uncomfortable and vulnerable in social settings. Ultimately, each person moves through trauma in their own timeline with a range of different short-term responses.

While stress is a common response to trauma and may gradually decrease over time, for some, the stress and emotions of the event may progress into a mental health condition known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). ASD is a mental health condition that can be diagnosed if symptoms present between 3 to 30 days after the trauma and lasts no more than six months. ASD may cause significant distress or impairment in multiple areas of life with symptoms that include intrusive thoughts, memories, flashbacks, or nightmares about the event, as well as being easily startled or on high alert, and feeling irritable and restless. Survivors may also experience the inability to feel positive emotions, feel detached from themselves (often referred to as dissociation), and may have the desire to avoid things like people, places, or reminders of event. ASD symptoms can decrease, increase, or stay the same based on the persons current situation or other traumatic events (American Psychiatric Association, 2022)².

Other short-term effects survivors may experience are changes in the way they relate to others including friends and family. When a person is victimized, especially for survivors of sexual violence where the victimization deprives a survivor control of their body, it’s understandable that relationships and interactions with people in their lives and the world around them change. For some people, these changes manifest as withdrawal or irritability in close relationships; for others, it appears as clinginess or a heightened and constant need for reassurance. They may feel less trust toward people, even those they knew before the trauma (Campbell & Wasco, 2005)⁴, and these changes to relationships can create strain and confusion for both members in the relationship, especially if the change is extreme. Many times, the survivor is not fully aware of the change in behavior and cannot vocalize why their behavior has changed, which can create more distance or conflict and some survivors may avoid romantic or sexual relationships altogether for a time (Campbell & Wasco, 2005)⁴.

Lastly, trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it can take a toll on the body. Fatigue and exhaustion are common short-term reactions, as the stress response keeps the nervous system in a heightened state of alert. This hypervigilance places the body in “overdrive,” meaning the body is working overtime by continually scanning for potential threats and using significant energy to maintain a sense of safety. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for survivors to also report physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, muscle tension, dizziness, or digestive issues (Van der Kolk, 2014)¹⁵. These physical symptoms present because of the mind-body connection, where the body suffers and shows the pain the mind is going through. When a person is under enduring stress, the body releases stress hormones, called cortisol and adrenaline, which strain the body. This stress may also create tension in the body resulting in pain if it doesn’t get released (Van der Kolk, 2014)¹⁵.

Long-Term Effects

While some survivors gradually recover without major long-term effects, others will experience longer conditions with more chronic impacts. Some of these chronic issues may include posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression disorders, anxiety disorders, and substance use problems.
PTSD is diagnosed when a person experiences, witnesses, or learns of an event involving threatened death, serious injury, violence, or sexual assault, and research shows that about half of individuals with acute stress disorder go on to develop PTSD if left untreated (Bryant, 2011)³. Women are shown to be more likely to develop PTSD than men, and some risk factors for PTSD may include genetics, previous trauma, and lack of social support.

Symptoms of PTSD may present as intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal; these symptoms may persist beyond one month and impair daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2022)². Additionally, survivors may have a delayed onset of up to six months, and secondary survivors may suffer from the disorder as well.

Some survivors may have more narrowed long-term conditions like depression or anxiety, and many may use substances to help relieve symptoms, which can progress into a substance use disorder. 25-50% of women who have been diagnosed with PTSD following a sexual assault report self-medicating with alcohol and drugs (Lefkowitz, 2024)¹¹. Trauma-related depression is a reactive depression, meaning it occurs because of the trauma and may not have presented without the traumatic event happening. This is the same for trauma-related anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or other more severe anxiety disorders like agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder which may lead to isolating in one’s home.

Coping and Recovery

Life after victimization will never be the same but that doesn’t mean things will never get better. Survivors may go through many stages of processing trauma and learning to live their life again. This is not an easy process, but research shows that for some the traumatic event may lead to a positive outcome and increased resilience (Dell’Osso et al., n.d.)⁶ . Accessing support can be a key factor in recovery. Many survivors turn to friends, family, faith communities, or specialized organizations such as the Victim Service Center. Professional help through trauma-informed therapists, advocates, or crisis hotlines can provide coping strategies, validation, and overall help through recovery. Peer support groups can also help survivors feel less isolated and can help to rebuild trust in others. Importantly, supportive responses from others are associated with reduced PTSD symptoms and better long-term outcomes (Ullman, 2016)¹⁴.

It’s also important to note that not all responses to trauma are negative, and in fact some survivors may find resolve in what researchers call post-traumatic growth (PTG), which is a positive psychological change that may occur as a result of the trauma. PTG is an outcome of trauma where survivors have a greater appreciation for life and their future, as well as an increased positive self-perception, better relationships, self-awareness, and self-confidence (Dell’Osso et al., n.d.)⁶. This phenomenon of PTG is linked to a greater resilience and feeling stronger for having survived the event, a shift of priorities and purpose, and increased empathy and compassion for other survivors.

Sexual assault and violent crimes leave lasting imprints on survivors, shaping their emotional, physical, and psychological well-being in more ways than one can imagine. It is difficult to accept and quite unfair that after being a victim of a violent crime or sexual assault, it is the survivors’ job to pick up the pieces of their life. While initial, short-term, and long-term reactions can vary, it is important to remember that every survivor’s experience is valid and deeply personal. The journey through trauma often involves painful phases of shock, guilt, depression, and disrupted relationships, but it can also lead to growth, strength, and resilience. The journey to healing and moving forward is one that takes a lot of effort, resilience, desire, and it does not follow a set timeline or path. After victimization, it may be hard to see a future where the pain subsides and life can go back to normal, especially when a person is in the early stages of processing. However, by breaking down myths, addressing stigma, and fostering supportive environments, we not only honor survivors’ experiences but also create space for recovery and sometimes even post-traumatic growth. That is why it is so important to seek help and support from resources like the Victim Service Center, mental health professionals, or friends and family. Trauma may change a survivor’s life; it does not have to define it.

References

¹ Alliance for Safety and Justice. (2024). Crime survivors speak: A national survey of victims’ views on safety and justice. https://asj.allianceforsafetyandjustice.org/crime-survivors-speak-2024/

² American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev)

³ Bryant, R. A. (2011). Acute stress disorder as a predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 72(2), 233–239. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.09r05072blu

⁴ Campbell, R., & Wasco, S. M. (2005). Understanding rape and sexual assault: 20 years of progress and future directions. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 20(1), 127–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260504268604

⁵ (Darcy, 2014)

⁶ Dell’Osso L, Lorenzi P, Nardi B, Carmassi C, Carpita B. Post Traumatic Growth (PTG) in the Frame of Traumatic Experiences. Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2022 Dec;19(6):390-393. doi: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220606. PMID: 36627947; PMCID: PMC9807114.

⁷ García-Esteve, L., Torres-Giménez, A., Canto, M., Roca-Lecumberri, A., Roda, E., Velasco, E. R., Echevarría, T., Andero, R., & Subirà, S. (2021). Prevalence and risk factors for acute stress disorder in female victims of sexual assault. Psychiatry Research, 303, 114240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114240

⁸ (Gupta, 2023) Identifying and Coping With Emotional Shock https://www.verywellmind.com/emotional-shock-definition-symptoms-causes-and-treatment-5214434

⁹ Germain, A. (2013). Sleep disturbances as the hallmark of PTSD: Where are we now? American Journal of Psychiatry, 170(4), 372–382. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.12040432

¹⁰ Khiron Clinics, (2020) The Subtle Effects of Trauma – Social Withdrawal https://khironclinics.com/blog/trauma-and-social-withdrawal/

¹¹ Lefkowitz, M. (2024). Sexual assault and drug use. EBSCO. Retrieved at https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/health-and-medicine/sexual-assault-and-drug-use

¹² (Pugh et al., 2015) The role of guilt in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25997098/

¹³ Thompson & Tapp, 2023. Criminal Victimization, 2022 Alexandra Thompson and Susannah N. Tapp, PhD, BJS Statisticians https://bjs.ojp.gov/document/cv22.pdf

¹⁴ Ullman, S. E. (2016). Social support and recovery from sexual assault: A review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 31, 38–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2016.06.014

¹⁵ Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

What Is Emotions in Motion?

Emotions in Motion is a healing-through-movement program that uses guided choreography and expressive dance to help survivors of violence, abuse, and trauma explore and process emotions in a safe, supportive environment. Participants are invited to connect with their bodies, emotions, and others through structured movement experiences — no prior dance experience required.

The program was thoughtfully developed as a partnership between VSC and the Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division. It brings together the therapeutic expertise of VSC and the creative power of movement and performance art typically associated with ballet.

Voices From the Podcast

On the episode, Brandi Godbee — Lead Therapist and Clinical Manager at VSC — and Shane Bland — Head of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet — share their vision for the program:

Brandi discusses the ways trauma can get stored in the body and how movement offers survivors a unique avenue for expression that words alone sometimes can’t reach.

Shane brings the artistic perspective, describing how choreography and physical expression can facilitate emotional release, support reconnection with oneself, and build community among participants.

They are joined by Renzo, a participant in Emotions in Motion, who offers powerful firsthand insight into what the experience has meant on their healing journey. Hearing directly from someone who has taken part in the program helps illustrate the transformative impact that structured creative movement can have for survivors.

Why Movement Matters in Healing

Traditional therapy is invaluable — but grief, trauma, and emotional memories don’t live only in thoughts or words. They’re also rooted in body sensations, tension, posture, and instinctive reactions. Programs like Emotions in Motion allow participants to:

* Reclaim agency within their bodies
* Release stored stress in a non-verbal, embodied way
* Build confidence through intentional movement
* Connect with peers who understand similar experiences
* Reframe physical expression as a source of strength rather than fear

For many survivors, movement becomes a language of its own — one that helps process past harm while also fostering joy, resilience, and self-trust.

A Space Where Healing Meets Art

One of the most compelling elements of Emotions in Motion is that it doesn’t require participants to be dancers — it simply invites them to move with intention, presence, and community. This accessibility makes the program a unique addition to VSC’s continuum of trauma-informed healing practices, blending clinical insight with artistic expression.

As Brandi and Shane remind listeners, there’s no one “right” way to heal — whether someone uses words, movement, art, or all of the above, what matters most is creating safe spaces for expression and connection.

Listen & Learn More

If you haven’t already, listen to this deeply moving episode of the VSC Podcast — it’s a beautiful example of how healing can happen in unexpected, embodied ways. Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a supporter of someone in healing, or simply interested in creative approaches to wellness, Emotions in Motion offers rich insight and inspiration.

Brandi Godbee

Brandi Godbee, Lead Therapist/Clinical Manager at Victim Service Center, Co-creator of Emotions in Motion – Brandi is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor. Education: Master’s degree with Honors in Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College and a Bachelor’s degree in English. Trained in EMDR & DBT.

Shane Bland

Shane Bland, Head of Community Enrichment at Orlando Ballet and Co-creator of Emotions in Motions – As head of Orlando Ballet’s Community Enrichment Division, Shane is a dynamic theater artist with an accomplished career spanning Broadway, national tours, regional theater, television, choreography, and directing. His Broadway credits include Bombay Dreams, Show Boat (Harold Prince), and Disney’s The Lion King. In Orlando, Shane has starred in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Cabaret (as the Emcee at Orlando Shakes), and Beauty and the Beast (as The Beast at the Garden Theatre). His choreography credits include Frozen Jr., Matilda (Broadway World Nominee), and Hairspray. Shane also serves as an adjudicator for the Applause Awards, supporting young performers across the region.

Segment 1

In our first segment, we’re joined by Keri Higby, Program Specialist with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida. Keri created the S.A.F.E. Women’s Self-Defense program and brings over a decade of experience in crime prevention, empowerment education, and community safety.

Segment 2

In our second segment, we’re joined by Natasha D’Arcangelo, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works closely with clients processing trauma and rebuilding their sense of self. Natasha’s work frequently involves helping individuals explore what healthy love and connection look like—especially when they’ve experienced harm or have never had a model for respectful relationships.

Segment 3

In our third segment, we are joined by Corrine Phillips, a Forensic Nurse Examiner with the Victim Service Center. Corrine works directly with survivors of sexual violence and brings valuable insight into the real-world impact of consent misunderstandings and dating violence.

Guest Speakers

Keri Higby
Title: Specialized Services Senior Program Specialist; Adjunct Professor
Organization: Seminole County Sheriff’s Office; UCF
keri.higby@ucf.edu or khigby@seminolesheriff.org, 407-474-5127

Natasha D’Arcangelo, LMHC
Title: Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Organization: LBee Health
Contact information to be displayed on screen: LBee Health www.lbeehealth.com
natasha@lbeehealth.com

Corrine Phillips, FNE
Title: Forensic Nurse Examiner Coordinator
Organization: Victim Service Center of Central Florida

Segment 1

In our first segment, we’re joined by Maria Torres, a volunteer for the Autism Society of Florida, an educator in the field and a parent of a child affected by autism spectrum disorder. Maria shares some of the safety challenges that she see’s children with autism struggling with today – including wandering and being drawn to water, which increases the risk of drowning. Also, Maria discusses the importance of families seeking support groups and community.

Segment 2

In the second segment, we’re joined by Michelle Zeman, a neurodivergent self-advocate, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and co-host of the REACH podcast—an initiative from the Autism Society of Florida. Michelle uses both personal experience and professional insight to uplift neurodivergent voices, challenge stigma, and expand the conversation around relationships, communication, and safety.

Segment 3

In the third segment, we’re joined by Catharine Warren, an Autism Specialist with the UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Catharine will share how CARD supports individuals, families and professionals in creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people on the autism spectrum. For many neurodivergent individuals, safety is a concern. Catharine shares some of the practical safety strategies that have been effective in supporting neurodivergent people and protecting their family.

Guest Speakers

Marria Torres
Volunteer, educator, parent. Volunteer at the Autism Society of Florida

Michelle Zeman
Host of the REACH Podcast, Autism Society of Florida. REACH – https://www.autismfl.org/reach. Safe Space the ABA Podcast – https://www.safespaceaba.com IG – @theautisticbehavioranalyst

Catharine Warren
Autism Spectrum Disorders Specialist at UCF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)UCF Center of Autism and Related Disabilities Contact method: Phone: 407-823-6011 or Email ucfcard@ucf.edu Website: https://ucf-card.org/

In our first segment, we’re joined by Dr. Trenton Marsh, Assistant Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.

In our second segment, we broaden the lens to look at how community leadership can shape safe, supportive pathways for youth—especially boys and young men who are too often overlooked. Joining us is Commissioner Mike Scott, Vice Mayor and Orange County District 6 Commissioner. A lifelong Orlando resident, Air Force veteran, and passionate youth mentor, Commissioner Scott brings a community-centered perspective to leadership and community.

In our third segment, we’re focusing on culture—and how it shapes the way boys learn to express themselves, seek help, and treat others. Joining us is Fidel Gomez Jr., a community educator and advocate at Hope CommUnity Center in Apopka, Florida. Fidel works directly with youth and is here to provide some insights on gender norms and machismo.

Guest Speakers

Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, Associate Professor of Urban Education at the University of Central Florida and the founder of H.O.P.E. Circle—a youth-driven initiative based in the historic Parramore neighborhood that gives boys of color a safe space to explore mental health, identity, and leadership.

Commissioner Michael “Mike” Scott, District 6 Commissioner of the City of Orlando.

Fidel Gomez Jr., LGBTQ+ & Immigrant Justice Organizer at Hope CommUnity Center Email: fgomezjr@hcc-offm.org Website: www.hcc-offm.org Instagram: @hccapopka

Below are hotlines we recommend:

VSC Helpline: (407) 500-4325
National Sexual Assault Helpline (RAINN): 1-800-656-4673
Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-962-2873 OR visit myflfamilies.com to report online
Victim Service Center 2111 East Michigan Street, Suite 210 Orlando, Florida 32806 24/7 Helpline (407) 500-HEAL Main Office Line (407) 254-9415

Anxiety is a normal response to stress and fear; everyone deals with some level of anxiety throughout their life. However, for many people, especially survivors of sexual or violent trauma, it can become a persistent and intense part of daily life. While traditional therapy can be beneficial for long-term healing, there are also simple techniques that can help calm the mind and body in the moment. This post looks at the science behind anxiety and introduces a few ways that are backed by research to help ease it.

Anxiety is the natural mental and physical reaction to stressful situations, being scared, or feeling threated⁶. During stress or a perceived threat, the brain’s emotional processing center, called the amygdala, signals the body’s “fight-flight-freeze” response in the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system floods the body with adrenaline which can cause the person’s heartrate to increase, breathing to become quick and shallow, and they may even feel nauseous or start shaking⁶. To calm the body down, a person has to engage the “rest and digest” functions of the body, using the parasympathetic nervous system which engaging the vagus nerve which slows heart rate and promotes relaxation⁷. To do this, the body needs to feel safe again by focusing on the present moment, and by paying attention to physical sensations and breathing¹². Once our mind and body is calm, we can think more clearly which helps problem-solving and emotional regulation. One way to remember the difference between the two systems is with this analogy: the sympathetic nervous system like a symphony, it heightens the emotional state. On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is like a parachute, it slows you down and grounds you.

At times, anxiety may become present more than just in stressful or frightening situations. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorders in the United States, affecting 34% of people at some point in their life¹¹, with survivors of sexual violence reporting anxiety disorders over twice the rate of non-victims (8.73%, 3.75%, respectfully)². It’s not uncommon for survivors of sexual or violent crimes to experience emotional distress in the form of anxiety, including panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance. Many survivors of violence find traditional therapy beneficial to work through symptoms of anxiety, however in moments of crisis or heightened emotions, many people may find the need for immediate techniques to help calm down and regulate emotions. Techniques such as mindfulness and grounding have been an effective way to help decrease anxiety attacks, particularly those that may arise unexpectedly or after a triggering situation⁸.

Grounding was developed as a way to express the mental and physical oneness with the earth  by Alexander Lowen in 1950’s⁹, and has been used as a therapy technique to help bring the mind and body back to present by engaging our five senses to slow down the nervous system, reduce heart rate, release muscle tension, and boost mental clarity⁵. Mindfulness originates from Buddhist teachings and is the process of slowing thoughts in the mind; in many ways it is considered to be a state of consciousness¹⁰. Both grounding and mindfulness are powerful tools to use to reduce anxiety, as well as provide additional health and wellness benefits.

Some common Grounding and Mindfulness techniques can be found below and may be done in a variety of locations or situations, most unobservable to others around.

Grounding Techniques

Grounding is a way to help anchor people in the present by focusing on sensations of the body and the persons surrounding. This helps the person calm the mind, disconnect from the distressing thoughts, and feel present in their body¹²

Sensory 5-4-3-2-1 Technique

This technique helps to focus on the present moment by using the five senses. This can help calm the mind by shifting away from anxious thoughts towards things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste. If you are in a place that you feel comfortable, you can say each item out loud as you find it. For example, “I see a ceiling light” or “I smell coffee.”

How to do it:

5 Things you can see – look around and find 5 things you can see (find 5 different patterns, colors, or textures).
4 Things you can touch – feel things around you and focus on the texture of the objects.
3 Things you can hear – listen to the sounds of your environment like cars driving, humming of lights, or even the sound of your breath.
2 Things you can smell – is there a sent to the air, a flower nearby, or a coffee if your hand.
1 Thing you can taste – can you grab a piece of gum, or drink nearby, or focus on the taste in your mouth.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

This technique helps to reduce body tension and helps to physically relax. It is especially helpful for people who physically hold onto stress, such as clenching their jaws or tensing their shoulders.

How to do it:

• Sit or lay down in a comfortable position, preferably in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Take a deep breathe and relax your shoulders, continue slow deep breathing throughout the process. When ready you will tense a specific muscle group for a few seconds. Focus on the feeling of the tension, then release the muscle and focus on the feeling of the relaxed muscle. Slowly work thought your whole body.
• Start with your toes, curl them up and hold, then release.
• Then do the process with your calves, then thighs. Tighten, hold, release. Move to your buttock, then stomach, next your chest. Repeating the process of tightening, holding, and releasing.
• Next scrunch your shoulders up to your ears, hold and release. Move to your biceps, then hands, making a fist and holding then releasing. Lastly, scrunch your face as best as you can, holding then releasing.
• Repeat this process up and down your body 1 to 3 times.

Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness is the intentional process of focusing on the present moment, with acceptance and non-judgement. It allows you to sit in and acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without trying to change them or push them away. This can help teach both emotional regulation and attention regulation.

Dropping Anchor

Russ Harris has created the Dropping Anchor technique which helps the mind turn off “autopilot” bringing a person back to a more intentional state of mind. This will allow the mind to focus its attention on specific things instead of allowing it to obsess and worry.

How to do it:

Using the term “ACE” you will be able to refocus your thoughts.
A: Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings
C: Come back into your body
E: Engage in what you’re doing

For free audio recordings of guided dropping anchor technique, or more about this see https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/free-audio/

Mindful Breathing

This technique helps to calm the body by taking slow deep breaths, focusing on feeling of the air coming in and out of the body. By slowing the breaths, you help to slow the heart rate and increase oxygen which increase relaxation. Also focusing your attention on the breathing helps to break anxious thoughts and release muscle tension.

How to do it:

Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, preferably where you will not get disturbed. If you feel comfortable, close your eyes. Focus on slow deep breaths and pay attention to the air being inhaled and exhaled. To help focus your mind you may count breaths.

Try the 4-7-8 technique.

• Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
• Hold the breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale through your mouth slowly for 8 seconds
• Repeat the cycle for several minutes or as long as you want.

Grounding and mindfulness techniques may take some time to get used to to feel their full benefits. Practicing these techniques on a regular basis will help you find what works best for you. Also, practicing will help regulate your emotions so that you may not experience anxiety attacks as severe as before, but if you do, you will have a tool in your toolbox to help should one pop-up. Also of note, while many people have little issues when learning these techniques, some people, especially those with generalized anxiety or depression, may experience “relaxation-induced anxiety,” which is when the body increases its anxiety during relaxation. It’s important to take your time learning these techniques in a place where you feel comfortable and safe, and to remember that you can pause or stop at any time⁴.

There are many other ways to help calm the mind and body. Talk to your medical doctor, or a mental health professional about your feelings of anxiety or other emotional distress you may be under.

Sources:

¹ACT Mindfully, Workshops with Russ Harris (2009-2025).  ‘Extra Bits’ eBooks, Worksheets and Handouts. https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/free-audio/

²Gonggrijp, B., van de Weijer, S., van Dongen, J. et al. Exploring the Relationships of Crime Victimization with Depression, Anxiety, and Loneliness in Twin Families. J Dev Life Course Criminology 9, 455–482 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40865-023-00234-1

³Kelly A, Garland EL. Trauma-Informed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Female Survivors of Interpersonal Violence: Results From a Stage I RCT. J Clin Psychol. 2016 Apr;72(4):311-28. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22273. PMID: 27002222; PMCID: PMC4806391.

⁴Kim H, Newman MG. The paradox of relaxation training: Relaxation induced anxiety and mediation effects of negative contrast sensitivity in generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2019 Dec 1;259:271-278. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.045. Epub 2019 Aug 19. PMID: 31450137; PMCID: PMC7288612.

⁵Koniver, L., 2024. Groudning to Treat Anxiety., Medical Reseach Archives, [online] 12(12). https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i12.6024

⁶Leonard, J. (Nov. 1, 2024) What does anxiety feel like, and how does it affect the body? MedicalNewsToday. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322510#complications

⁷Poli A, Gemignani A, Soldani F, Miccoli M. A Systematic Review of a Polyvagal Perspective on Embodied Contemplative Practices as Promoters of Cardiorespiratory Coupling and Traumatic Stress Recovery for PTSD and OCD: Research Methodologies and State of the Art. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 10;18(22):11778. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211778. PMID: 34831534; PMCID: PMC8619958.

⁸Shukla, A. (2019). A 5-Step Mindfulness Grounding Technique To Ease Anxiety & Why Mindfulness Works. Cognition Today. Retrieved from https://cognitiontoday.com/5-step-mindfulness-grounding-technique-to-ease-anxiety-why-it-works/.

⁹Shuper Engelhard, E., Pitluk, M., & Elboim-Gabyzon, M. (2021). Grounding the connection between psyche and soma: creating a reliable observation tool for grounding assessment in an adult population. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 621958.

¹⁰Smalley, S. L., & Winston, D. (2022). Fully present: The science, art, and practice of mindfulness. Balance.

¹¹Szuhany, K. L., & Simon, N. M. (2022). Anxiety Disorders: A Review. JAMA, 328(24), 2431–2445. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.22744

¹²Transpersonal Psychology (2014). Mindfulness and Trauma Recovery: Grounding Techniques. https://transpersonal-psychology.iresearchnet.com/mindfulness-and-contemplative-practices/mindfulness-and-trauma-recovery-grounding-techniques/

Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses sensitive topics such as sexual assault. It’s important to take care of yourself while reading. Some suggestions are reading while you’re in a healthy headspace or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is (407) 500-HEAL. To get additional support and/or learn about your local resources, the National Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-656-4673.  There is always someone ready to help.

Prevalence of Sexual Assault in College

As summer comes to an end and we head towards the beginning of the school year, students get excited about moving back to campus, the upcoming football season and activities, making new friends, and immersing themselves in the typical college environment. A heavy, but important, topic to discuss is sexual violence and how you can stay safe to ensure your campus life is just as exciting as you are hoping it will be. RAINN, the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network compiled data on campus sexual violence and found that 13% of all students experience sexual assault, with a higher rate for undergraduates and female students.¹ According to RAINN, over 50% of college sexual assaults occur during the months of August to November, which has been labeled the “red zone”.¹ During the “red zone”, sororities and fraternities hold their “rush” events, new students are unfamiliar with the campus, there is an abundance of parties, and many students lack an established network of friends, all of which can contribute to the spike in sexual violence. Here are a few statistics to consider:

Title IX Federal Law

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in education on the basis of sex which includes all forms of sexual harassment. Colleges receiving federal funding are required to ensure equal access to education for all students while actively combating gender-based violence and discrimination. Title IX applies to every student whether they are female, male, or gender non-conforming. Under this law, schools must investigate every formal complaint, have a Title IX coordinator, have procedures for students to file complaints, and must publish and distribute a policy against sex discrimination. A few areas Title IX covers are:

– Sexual Violence

– Gender-Based Discrimination

– Sexual Harassment

– Pregnant and Parenting Students

– Women in STEM programs

Title IX also requires colleges to provide free supportive measures to the victim but what this amounts to will differ depending on the situation. These measures can include counseling, tutoring, extended deadlines, a leave of absence, campus escort services, housing reassignments, etc.

Ideas for Safety Planning

Safety planning is creating a personalized plan to help reduce the risk of future harm. A safety plan can look vastly different depending on the person, but they often include preventative measures, coping strategies, and creating a list of the resources that are available to support you. As a reminder, whether or not preventative actions are taken, it is never your fault. Some things that may be included on a safety plan for college students are:

1. Stay alert: Looking down at your phone is an easy distraction and may leave you unaware of your surroundings. While walking around campus, stick to populated, well-lit areas, when possible, and stay mindful of your surroundings.
2. Consider changing your social media settings: Some social media websites may use geolocation, so any posts allow your followers to see your location. Consider making your accounts private so only family and friends you trust are able to view your posts.
3. Use the buddy system: There is safety in numbers so taking a friend with you, whether it is while you are walking to class or just grabbing a coffee, reduces your chances of becoming a victim of a crime.
4. Share your location with family/friends: In case of an emergency, it is helpful for trusted family and friends to have your location to be able to alert authorities if necessary.
5. Give people time to earn your trust: The college environment can foster a false sense of closeness that can lead to putting too much trust into someone too early. You will likely make many friends very quickly, but it is okay to take your time and let them truly earn your trust before you depend on them.
6. Make a plan when going out: Before going out for the night, make a plan with your friends that everyone will stick to, that includes how everyone is getting home. Make sure if plans change, no one is left alone.
7. Keep an eye on your drink: Many drugs that are used in drug-facilitated sexual assault are colorless, odorless, and tasteless so it’s not always possible to tell if something has been added to a drink. Some safety tips to consider are drinking from unopened containers or drinks you watched being poured, keeping your drink with you at all times, and not taking drinks from strangers.
8. Know your drinking limits: Keep track of how much alcohol you have consumed, if possible. If you or a friend begin to feel extremely tired or more intoxicated than you should, it is possible that you have been drugged. Leave the situation and get help immediately.
9. It is okay to lie: You never have to stay in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable or threatened. If you want to leave a situation and are worried about upsetting someone or it possibly becoming dangerous, it is okay to come up with an excuse such as needing to take a phone call, not feeling well, having to take care of a friend, etc.
10. Explore self-defense classes: Self-defense classes aim to empower you by teaching realistic self-defense techniques and providing education on basic safety and awareness which can help build self-confidence.
11. Campus escort services: Some colleges provide escort services that are available to walk with you to and from locations or provide transportation, offering a safer alternative to walking alone.
12.  Meet first dates or new people in a public area.
13.  Mobile apps: There are many useful safety apps that are free to download including LiveSafe and bSafe for Android and IOS along with ReachOut which is available on IOS.
14. Consider creating a plan for what to do if you find yourself in a triggering situation: There are many different templates for safety plans that are available online that may help you start to brainstorm some ideas on how to cope with overwhelming emotions.

Survivors of assault may experience retraumatization in triggering situations like when they return to the environment the assault occurred or seeing their perpetrator on campus, for example. For this reason, safety plans often include suggestions for self-care or coping skills that may help when you are feeling triggered. Grounding and mindfulness techniques are commonly used strategies that help people regulate overwhelming emotions, connect with the present, and feel calmer. There are many different ways to practice grounding and mindfulness exercises. A brief overview of a few grounding techniques is shown in the infographic below:⁶

Campus Specific Resources

Along with the general safety tips discussed, each college campus has additional resources available for your safety. You can find the schools corresponding resources below:

University of Central Florida:

–Title IX report form

–Let’s Be Clear lists the contact information for Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Victim Services, Student Care Services/UCF CARES, and links to the relevant policies on discrimination, Title IX, etc.

-The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities has compiled a list of complainant resources that are separated into confidential, nonconfidential, and community resources. Along with the information on Let’s Be Clear, the contact information for Student Legal Services is provided as well.

–UCF Victim Services Website

-Call the confidential 24/7 Advocacy and Support hotline at 407-823-1200.

-In the UCF Mobile app, the “SafeWalk” feature allows you to share your location, destination, and ETA with others who can track your trip in real-time. Your selected friends will receive updates and are able to message police for assistance by sending information on your location and timing from the app, in the event of an emergency.

-Call 407-823-5555 to request a security escort anywhere on campus. A UCF Police staff member or officer will walk with you to your destination.

*At UCF Downtown, to request a security escort you can also call 407-235-3800

Valencia College:

–Title IX report form

-Information on Valencia’s Title IX Coordinators and campus security phone numbers can be found here

–Victim Assistance Agency phone numbers listed by campus along with the BayCare Student Assistance Program which is a free service for Valencia students that is available 24/7. The BayCare services include, but are not limited to, webinars, support for mental and physical health, legal support, financial literacy information, personal and professional development courses, recipes, and health videos. 

-The Valencia College Safety app enables you to send your location and call security simultaneously, in the event of an emergency on campus. It also includes campus maps, emergency contact information, a place to report tips, and more safety features.

-Campus Escort System: You may contact your campus Security Office to request a security officer to accompany you to your class or vehicle. 

-Valencia provides a list of community-based organizations here

Rollins College:

–Title IX report form

–The Title IX and Violence Prevention webpage has detailed information for immediate action, confidential assistance, support, and reporting following sexual misconduct.

–Title IX: Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy is a PDF file that contains confidential and nonconfidential resources as well as the Title IX policy details.

-Free and confidential counseling at the Wellness Center via Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Students can call 407-628-6340 to schedule an appointment to meet with a counselor.

-Call Campus Safety at 407-646-2999 for assistance with transport on campus. Campus Safety is available 24/7 and can also call for medical transport in emergency situations. 

Seminole State College:

-Title IX report: Contact the SSC Equity and Diversity/Title IX Coordinator, by email, phone, mail, or in person.

-The Title IX webpage has a chart that describes an issue and lists the corresponding resource that addresses like who to call to change classes for separation from alleged perpetrator, seek counseling, etc.

-Campus Escort System: Call the security number at 407-708-2178 for an escort to or from your car.

Full Sail University:

–Title IX report form

-Information on Full Sail University’s Title IX policy, coordinator, complaint form, and community resources such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline can be found here

-Campus Escort System: Call 8800 24 hours a day and the security department will send an officer for a safety walking escort if you are within Fail Sail property limits.

Ana G. Mendez University:

-Title IX report: Contact the Title IX Coordinator by email, phone, mail, or in person.

–Sexual Violence, Dating Violence, Harassment and Discrimination by Sex (VAWA-Title IX) is a PDF file that details safety measures, community support resources, student rights under Title IX, how to file a complaint, and additional resources.

References:

1. Campus sexual violence: Statistics. RAINN. (n.d.). https://www.rainn.org/statistics/campus-sexual-violence

2. Cantor, D., Fisher, B., Chibnall, S., Harps, S., Townsend, R., Thomas, G., Lee, H., Kranz, V., Herbison, R., & Madden, K. (2020). Report on the AAU Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct. Association of American Universities.

3. Krebs, C., Lindquist, C., Berzofsky, M., Shook-Sa, B., Peterson, K. (2016). Campus Climate Survey Validation Study Final Technical Report. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice.

4. Preventing sexual assault. Collage Stats. (2017, May 8). https://collegestats.org/resources/sexual-assault-prevention/

5. Preventing sexual assault in college. EduMed. (2022, January 28). https://www.edumed.org/resources/preventing-sexual-assault-in-college/

6. Schmidt, L. (2021, December 10). Six different types of grounding exercises for anxiety and intense emotions. The Growlery. https://www.tothegrowlery.com/blog/2017/4/18/six-different-types-of-grounding-exercises-for-anxiety-intense-emotions

7. Sexual assault on college campuses. Sexual assault on college campuses | Office on Women’s Health. (n.d.). https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/sexual-assault-and-rape/college-sexual-assault

8. Staying safe on campus. RAINN. (n.d.-b). https://www.rainn.org/articles/staying-safe-campus

9. US Department of Education (ED). (2021, January 5). Know your rights: Title IX prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence where you go to school. Home. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/title-ix-rights-201104.html

Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses sensitive topics such as sexual assault. It’s important to take care of yourself while reading. Some suggestions are reading while you’re in a healthy headspace or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is (407) 500-HEAL. To get additional support and/or learn about your local resources, the National Hotline can be contacted at 1-800-656-4673.  There is always someone ready to help.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A TBI is an injury to the brain due to a sudden external trauma. This may seem like a very broad definition, but that’s because TBIs can be caused by a wide variety of events.  Some common causes are falls, car accidents, sports injuries, and assault. The severity of TBIs can range from a mild concussion that resolves itself within a couple of weeks, to severe injuries that result in long-term complications and disabilities.

What are the Symptoms of TBIs?

There is a wide range of symptoms associated with TBIs that depend on the individual and the severity of the injury. Symptoms may be present immediately after the trauma or may begin to appear days or weeks afterward. Some common physical and psychological symptoms are:

Physical symptoms:

• headache with or without light or sound sensitivity

• nausea and dizziness

• fatigue

Psychological/cognitive symptoms:

• confusion

• memory or concentration problems

• sleeping more or less than usual

• mood swings

• feelings of depression or anxiety

Medical Evaluation, Classification, and Long-term Impact of TBIs:

To determine the initial severity, the majority of TBIs are evaluated with the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Additionally, the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) is often used to estimate the expected degree of recovery. The predicted outcomes are based on the initial classification. Mild indicates that symptoms will gradually improve in most cases, moderate indicates a positive recovery in 60% of patients, and a severe classification indicates an expected positive outcome of 25%-33% (Agarwal et al., 2020).

Throughout this post, these terms will be referenced in relation to certain statistics as they are determined by medical diagnoses. As a quick disclaimer, there are limitations to the GCS/GOS so in no way does it mean that a mild TBI is an “easy” diagnosis. Classification in this way can often hinder treatment because the terms mild and moderate can lead to a withdrawal of care too early. Conversely, a patient labeled severe may have a more favorable outcome than previously expected (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022). Although these assessments have some limitations, they are widely regarded as reliable and are considered an integral part of the physical evaluation after a brain injury.

In addition to the immediate impact, TBIs often result in lifelong health problems and disabilities. According to a study that collected information from participants 5 years after a TBI, 57% were moderately or severely disabled (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). In the US, this equates to over 5 million citizens, which is around 2% of the population (Brain Injury Association of America, 2022).

Groups at Greater Risk of Negative Outcomes:

The likelihood of experiencing long-term disabilities from a TBI depends on several factors such as the severity of the injury, socioeconomic status, and personal circumstances. Certain groups that are at a greater risk of long-term negative impacts include the following (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021):

• victims of intimate partner violence

• racial and ethnic minorities

• those in correctional facilities

• people who experience homelessness

• service members and veterans

• people in rural areas

• people in a lower socioeconomic status or do not have access to health insurance

The Link Between TBI and Assault:

The third most common cause of TBIs, which makes up about 10% of all cases, is assault (Bown, 2019). The correlation between assault and TBIs is a severely under-researched topic, and the research that does exist is limited since many victims are not examined by a health care professional. However, an older study conducted by Dr. Valera, a researcher at Harvard Medical School, focused specifically on female victims of intimate partner violence. This study found that of the 99 participants, 74% sustained at least 1 TBI and 51% suffered multiple TBIs (2003). While this gives us significant statistics, it’s important to remember that TBIs can also occur from an assault outside of intimate partner violence. Additionally, Dr. Valera’s study focused solely on female victims, but male and nonbinary victims can experience TBIs as well.

Overview of Disabilities and Sexual Violence:

Disability is a general term that encompasses a wide range of impairments, including TBIs. While there isn’t much research on this specific topic, it was recorded by the Office for Victims of Crime that people with disabilities are at least twice as likely to be victimized (2018). A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits activities of daily life. Although not a comprehensive list, a few of the categories are mental health disorders, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and sensory disabilities. People with impairments are at a higher risk of experiencing sexual violence which can be due in part to the following circumstances:

• Dependence on a caregiver may lead to compliance because the victim can’t afford to lose the caregiver’s support.

• People in assisted living facilities are in constant contact with a large number of the staff and may not be aware of how to report abuse.

• There may be limited access to resources when there is a caregiver present or in a group home.

• Individuals with cognitive impairments may have difficulty recognizing inappropriate behavior or may be unaware of their right to report.

TBIs can cause cognitive impairment that affects memory, perception of risky situations, and disabilities that require a caregiver. The reliance on a caregiver puts those with TBIs at a higher risk of assault and mistreatment (CDC, 2007).

If you or a loved one has a disability and has experienced sexual violence or abuse, there are resources available for support:

• Call 911 or contact your local police station to make an official report of abuse

• Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) or click here to speak to a National Sexual Assault Hotline Advocate

• RAINN online anonymous chat option to connect you with a trained specialist

• RAINN Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities Resources

• Visit the Victim Service Center website for more information on crime victim services

How to Support Someone Who Has a TBI:

TBIs can be life-altering for the victim and their loved ones as well. It’s common for family and friends to feel helpless because it’s not always clear what you can do to help. Here are some recommendations when caring for a loved one with a TBI:

• Maintain a calm, patient, and understanding attitude

TBIs are incredibly overwhelming and can be disorienting when trying to readapt to normal, daily life. It’s common for someone with a TBI to have many negative emotions and feel distressed when having difficulty completing simple tasks. It’s important to stay calm and patient to help them feel supported.

• Educate yourself on the recovery from TBIs and expect inconsistency

Recovery isn’t always linear, and it’s normal for some days to be better or worse than others. It’s common for someone with a TBI to experience mood swings and be hostile towards you which can be difficult to understand. A lack of control over the situation may cause their anger to be displaced onto you in an effort to cope with the drastic changes that come along with TBIs.Reading into what TBIs do to the brain and understanding the ‘why’ behind their actions and words can help you appreciate the extent of what they’re going through.

• Help break down their tasks to promote simplicity

Previously simple tasks become extremely overwhelming after a TBI. A great way to help them feel confident and supported is to break their tasks into smaller steps. You can also do some of the bigger things for them that they may have difficulty with at first, and slowly reintegrate them back into their routine in small amounts.

• Monitor overstimulation and promote familiarity

Establishing a daily routine to promote familiarity in such a disorienting time can help lessen some of the distress they’re experiencing. Coping with the mental and emotional side effects along with the physical impact of a TBI can very quickly lead to overstimulation. Avoid conversations that are full of new information or sarcastic jokes. These situations can be hard for them to follow and may only lead to more frustration.

These are just a few common tips to keep in mind, but if you would like a more in-depth guide on how to care for a loved one with a TBI, please check out the following resources:

• Brain Injury Association of America Guide for Caregivers
• Mayo Clinic Patient Education “How to Help Someone Who Has a Brain Injury”
• Brain Injury Association Caregiver Information Center

Caregiver Support:

Helping someone recover from a TBI can impact caregivers as well and it’s normal to feel scared and overwhelmed. Caregivers have a heavy, time-consuming responsibility and it’s common to prioritize the well-being of others over your own. Caregiver burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion that stems from neglecting your needs while taking care of someone else. Remember, you can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first. To learn more about how to support yourself and avoid burnout, check out the caregiver support resources from Mayo Clinic and BrainLine.

Final Notes:

If you believe you or a loved one are suffering from a TBI, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible. While medical care is imperative in treating traumatic brain injuries, it’s important to seek emotional support as well. Please feel free to use Victim Service Center’s free counseling or call the 24-hour helpline at 407-500-HEAL (4325) for support during a crisis.

References:

1. 2018 NCVRW Resource Guide: Crimes Against People with Disabilities Fact … (n.d.). https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/ncvrw2018/info_flyers/fact_sheets/2018NCVRW_VictimsWithDisabilities_508_QC.pdf

• Agarwal, N., Thakker, R., & Than, K. (2020, February 3). Traumatic Brain Injury. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Traumatic-Brain-Injury

• Bown D, Belli A, Qureshi K, Davies D, Toman E, Upthegrove R. Post-traumatic stress disorder and self-reported outcomes after traumatic brain injury in victims of assault. PLoS One. 2019 Feb 7;14(2):e0211684. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211684. PMID: 30730924; PMCID: PMC6366871.

• Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain Injury Association of America. (2022, April 5). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, May 12). Health Disparities and TBI. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/health-disparities-tbi.html

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Is a Lifelong Condition. https://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury/pdf/moderate_to_severe_tbi_lifelong-a.pdf.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2007). Victimization of persons with traumatic brain injury or other disabilities: A fact sheet for professionals. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/11667

• Traumatic Brain Injury Categories Should Be Updated and Personalized to Better Guide Patient Care, Says New Report. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2022, February 1). Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2022/02/traumatic-brain-injury-categories-should-be-updated-and-personalized-to-better-guide-patient-care-says-new-report

• Valera EM, Berenbaum H. Brain injury in battered women. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2003 Aug;71(4):797-804. DOI: 10.1037/0022-006x.71.4.797. PMID: 12924684.

LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term that encompasses many identities. All of those identities are important and they all carry their own different experiences. People that hold those different identities are often victimized in different ways.

It’s important to uplift and bring awareness to those specific experiences in order to validate the experiences of survivors.

According to the National Survey of Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence, conducted by Waiters et al in 2013, Bisexual women,  had a significantly higher lifetime prevalence of rape and sexual violence other than rape by any perpetrator when compared to both lesbian and heterosexual women.¹

A specific sexual violence phenomenon that commonly affects lesbian women is corrective rape. Corrective rape is when lesbian women are sexually assaulted by men in order to “correct” their homosexuality.

The prevalence of rape over a lifetime for men is:

• – Gay – numbers are too small
• – Bisexual – numbers are too small
• – Heterosexual – 0.7%¹

However, these numbers are due to gay and bisexual men facing an increased number of barriers when reporting sexual assault. These barriers include:

• “Why didn’t you fight back?”

• Fear of being discriminated against when reporting

• Expected masculinity

• Fear of being told they “wanted it” because they are attracted to men.

According to the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, almost 50% of trans, non-binary, gender nonconforming individuals report having experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.²

Sexual violence victimization is much more prevalent in trans individuals that are also black, indigenous, and people of color. Out of the 47% that indicated having been sexually assaulted, 65% identified as Native American, 59% were multi-racial, 58% were middle eastern, and 53% were Black.²

There are also many identities that fall under the transgender umbrella, as transgender is anyone that identifies as something other than the gender they were assigned at birth so not only does that include trans women, trans men but also non-binary people and gender non-confirming identities. However, there is not enough research regarding their experiences of sexual violence, but their experiences are still valid.

Intersex people often experience something known as medicalized rape. From a young age, they are taught their genitals must look a certain way in order to fit within the binary of male or female sex, so medical professionals often perform surgery on them during their youth. As they get older, intersex people often regret these surgeries, as they come to terms with their intersex bodies, and realize that this surgery was done without their consent. An example of one of those surgeries is known as vaginoplasty, which is basically dilation of the vagina if they are deemed not too deep enough for penetration. Intersex children are sometimes required to have genital examinations, to see whether the surgeries were successful. This is a form of sexual abuse that many intersex people have to endure as children.

A recent survey from European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) found that 22%of intersex respondents have experienced physical or sexual assault.³

Our society is often sexually-driven, this makes it incredibly hard for asexual individuals to be accepted and it makes them often victims of sexual violence. A phenomenon mentioned as corrective rape is also experienced by asexual people. Their asexuality is often viewed as not normal and something that must be fixed through corrective rape. According to the 2015 Asexual Census, 43.5% of 8,000 asexual people surveyed reported having experienced sexual violence such as rape and coercion.⁴

Sources:

¹Walters, M.L., Chen J., & Breiding, M.J. (2013). The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS): 2010 Findings on Victimization by Sexual Orientation. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

²James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016). The report of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey. Retrieved from the National Center for Transgender Equality: https://www.transequality.org/sites/default/files/docs/USTS-Full-Report-FINAL.PDF

³European Union: European Agency for Fundamental Rights, The fundamental rights situation of intersex people, May 2015, FRA Focus 04/2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5551c3524.html [accessed 2 May 2022]

⁴Bauer, C., Miller, T., Ginoza, M., Chiang, A., Youngblom, K., Baba, A., Pinnell, J., Penten, P., Meinhold, M., Ramaraj, V. (2017). The 2015 Asexual Census Summary Report. Retrieved from https://asexualcensus.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/2015_ace_census_summary_report.pdf

Throughout the country, sexual assault remains a highly prevalent crime with an American sexually assaulted every 68 seconds¹. At the outset of the use of sexual assault collection kits in the U.S. in the late 1970’s, the recommended protocols stated that DNA evidence should only be collected up to 72 hours, or 3 days following the sexual assault. However, with advances in DNA analysis techniques, improved sensitivity of instrumentation, continued DNA research and dedication by forensic biologists nationwide, the recommended collection interval has been extended as of 2016. In ‘Recommendations for Efficient DNA Processing of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits in a Laboratory’, the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) now recommends collection of vaginal samples up to 5 days (120 hours) post-assault rather than 3 days.² These guidelines also recognize that ‘there may be potential to extend the time frame to nine days post vaginal assault’² due to technological advancements and research findings.

Some of this supporting research has been conducted by one of our own VSC volunteers, Dr. Erin Hanson (PhD), a Research Associate Professor at the National Center for Forensic Science (NCFS) at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Dr. Hanson, along with her colleague Dr. Jack Ballantyne UCF Professor and NCFS Associate Director for Research, work towards developing new strategies to improve DNA profile recovery from challenging and late reported sexual assault evidence. They have found evidence of improved male DNA profile recovery for collections ranging from 6-9 days post assault³. This was done through the use of an additional DNA amplification step that targets DNA only on the Y-chromosome. This step has proved helpful due to the fact that the DNA collected from most vaginal forensic examinations contains an overwhelming amount of female DNA in relation to the small amount of male DNA that may be present.

As can be seen in the infographic below, collection time intervals vary by state with a majority of states implementing the recommended collection interval of up to 5 days post-assault (shown in purple). It is highly encouraging to see several states being proactive in response to sexual assaults and increasing their collection intervals beyond the 5 days. With continued improvements in DNA technology and more research demonstrating the ability to obtain DNA profiles in later reported sexual assault evidence, we hope to see an increase in the number of states using these extended intervals. These intervals are believed to be the most up-to-date protocols provided by each state as of 2022 and are typically found in the guideline and protocol handbooks used by sexual assault nurse examiners for forensic examinations. The sites to all of the sources for each state are linked below. Some states had contradicting information that listed multiple recommended intervals in which case the most recent source was used. Additionally, some states differentiated the collection time intervals between pre-pubescent, adolescent, and adult victims, while others provided a range of time. These differences are indicated in the legend to the right of the infographic. (Note: this infographic list time intervals specifically for collection of evidence from vaginal assaults; SWGDAM recommended intervals are 3 days and 1 day post-assault for anal and oral collections, respectively.)

Overall, it is important for a sexual assault kit to be collected by a trained sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) as soon as possible following a possible sexual assault. This is because DNA from the perpetrator gradually degrades and reduces the forensic analyst’s ability to obtain a DNA profile. The probability of obtaining a distinct profile can also be hindered by a variety of activities (i.e. eating, drinking, showering, sexual activity, urinating, etc…).⁴ However, if a victim reports an assault and consents to having a sexual assault evidence collection kit done within the recommended interval, it should still be performed regardless of these activities as they do not eliminate the possibility of obtaining DNA evidence. Prior to any forensic examination, victims should be informed of all of their rights as well entirely what the examination will entail and be made to feel as comfortable as possible during this procedure that some find very invasive and triggering. Patients can take breaks and be allowed to stop the exam at any point if they are uncomfortable and/or change their mind about having a forensic examination done. More information about the sexual assault examination process can be found at https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit.

Sources by State:

Sources

1. www.rainn.org/about-sexual-assault
2. Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods. Recommendations for the Efficient DNA Processing of Sexual Assault Evidence Kits. https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_4daf2bb5512b4e2582f895c4a133a0ed.pdf
3. Hanson, E.K.; Ballantyne, J. A Y-short tandem repeat specific DNA enhancement strategy to aid the analysis of late reported (≥6 days) sexual assault cases. Medicine, Science and the Law. 2014, 54(4), pp. 209-218.
4. https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit