How To Help your daughter deal with the trauma of being raped.
It can be difficult to support your daughter after she was raped.She needs medical and emotional help after the assault.Give her space as she heals from her experience.Make time to deal with your own emotions to be strong and helpful during this difficult experience.
Step 1: If your daughter was raped in the last 72 hours, you should bring her to the hospital.
Bring your daughter to the emergency room if she was raped in the last 3 days.She will be examined for internal injuries and sexually transmitted illnesses.The evidence from the rape can be collected within 72 hours.If anyone on the hospital staff is trained to care for someone who has been raped, ask.The hospital will usually inform the law enforcement of the crime.The window for collecting medical evidence may be longer in some states.You should bring your daughter to be examined by a doctor if it's too late to collect DNA evidence.
Step 2: You can ask about emergency contraceptives.
As soon as possible, it is best to address the risk of pregnancies after rape.You can ask your daughter's doctor about emergency contraceptives, which can be given up to 120 hours after sexual intercourse.If more time has passed since the rape, ask if they can run a pregnancy test.If your daughter is pregnant, a medical professional can discuss her options with her.
Step 3: You should make an appointment with a therapist for your daughter.
It may be harmful for your daughter to avoid her feelings about her rape.She should make an appointment to speak with a therapist.She may be more comfortable opening up to a medical professional who is not invested in the situation.Your daughter's doctor may be able to refer her to a therapist.
Step 4: Allow your daughter to make her own decisions about her care.
Allow your daughter to decide how she will deal with her attack if she is old enough.She can make her own decisions without being pressured to do anything.If she is too young to make her own decisions, don't rush her into anything.You can talk to your daughter about her options without telling her what she should do.If your daughter is younger, don't force her to talk to doctors or law enforcement officials about her trauma before she's ready.
Step 5: If your daughter wants to speak to the authorities, please help her.
One of the biggest decisions your daughter will have to make is whether or not to report her rape to the police.If she wants to discuss the incident with authorities, you should stay with her.Bring her to the local precinct to make a report if she reports the crime retroactively.If she's not comfortable with it, offer to call her.You should respect your daughter's wishes if she wants to discuss the rape without you.
Step 6: You can give her the number for the sexual assault hotline.
Sexual assault victims can seek help and advice from crisis hotlines.You can search online to find local hotlines.If your daughter feels compelled to use the number, give it to her.The national sexual assault hotline can be reached in the U.S.
Step 7: Suggestions for a sexual assault support group.
Rape survivors can be helped by support groups.Hearing from other survivors may give them a sense of relief.There are local groups that offer support to sexual assault victims.Bring your daughter to a meeting and wait outside if she wants to leave.
Step 8: As your daughter recovers from trauma, observe her.
It can take months or years to heal after a rape.If your daughter is doing well, keep an eye on her.If you notice any of the symptoms, you should consult her doctor.
Step 9: Instead of making assumptions, ask your daughter what she needs.
Everyone has different ways of dealing with trauma.Ask your daughter how you can make her feel better.She wants you to offer physical comfort like a hug or hand to hold.Some sexual assault victims may avoid physical contact, while others need it to feel safe and loved.It is possible for your daughter to take comfort from her favorite meal, a hot cup of tea, or a bath with oils.
Step 10: Understand your daughter's difficult moods.
A range of emotions can be caused by an assault.If your daughter has mood swings, be calm and understanding.Acceptance will help curb these responses.Allow your daughter to skip family gatherings if she wants to deal with her trauma.It is possible that your daughter wants to spend more time with a special friend or her mother.
Step 11: Let your daughter know that you believe her.
Sexual assault survivors don't share their stories with loved ones because of a fear of being believed.Let your daughter know that you believe her when she talks about her rape.While she is recovering, this sense of validation may give her some peace.I am here for you and I know you are hurting over the rape.If someone doubts her account of the events, acknowledge that she is telling the truth.The implication that someone may doubt her could upset her.
Step 12: Let your daughter know that you are listening.
It can be hard to give your daughter the space she needs while at the same time letting her know you're there for her.Tell her that she can talk to you at any time.Let her know that you are available to help her in any way she needs you to.If you want to talk, you can say, "I am always here for you, but I won't push you to open up."Your daughter will feel supported without feeling overwhelmed if you offer the option of help without pushing her to open up.
Step 13: Your daughter's healing shouldn't be put on a timeline.
Recovering from sexual assault has no accepted amount of time.It's not a good idea to assume that your daughter will be over her attack months or even years later.Don't put pressure on your daughter to get back to her old self.If you ask your daughter if she is over her attack, she may feel shame.The progress of other sexual assault victims may make your daughter doubt her own journey to healing.
Step 14: When possible, get to know your daughter's triggers.
If certain things make your daughter upset, observe her behavior and moods.Certain images, music, social situations, or movements remind her of her attack.Do you want to avoid them in your actions or home environment?Aggressive hugs and playful wrestling can make your daughter anxious.It's a good idea to avoid playing movies or television shows with sexual assault themes.Let her know that she can turn off anything that upsets her.She will be able to avoid second-hand trauma.
Step 15: Accept your negative emotions.
Strong emotions can be harmful to you and your family, but you shouldn't blame yourself for having them.It's normal for you to be angry and sad about your child being attacked.Speak to your friends and family to help overcome your feelings.It is possible to sort out these emotions by writing in a journal.
Step 16: Make an appointment with a therapist.
For individuals dealing with a stressor, therapy is recommended.To discuss your feelings about your daughter's rape, make an appointment with a local therapist.Weekly meetings should be booked if the session is helpful.You can sort out your feelings by talking to a therapist.If your daughter isn't already seeing a therapist, ask her to attend one of your appointments with you so that she can see how it might benefit her.
Step 17: Be your best self by practicing self-care.
It can be difficult to focus on your own well-being after a trauma.It will help you be strong for your daughter if you take time to relax.Exercising Meditating Journal is a self-care activity.