Ankita Sharma, an American Indian Instagram model, has recently spoken up about her experiences of sexual assault in an effort to raise awareness and encourage others to seek support. In two separate incidents, Sharma was touched aggressively and made to feel uncomfortable. Despite having been a victim of sexual assault previously, she found herself frozen and unable to react during the second incident, causing her to question her own beliefs, values, and principles. Sexual assault is a form of sexual violence that covers a wide range of unwanted sexual behavior that can involve strangers or people you know. Sharma believes that burying traumatic experiences like these is common, and victims often don’t realize how they affect and change them. Furthermore, victims often don’t talk about their experiences, as sharing them can make them feel responsible and not strong enough to take action.
According to data from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), an American is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. In the United States, one in three women and one in six men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. These statistics highlight the urgent need to raise awareness and take action to prevent sexual assault.
The impact of sexual assault on mental health can be devastating, and it often takes victims years or even decades to come forward and share their experiences. The emotional toll of sexual assault can be overwhelming, leading to significant changes in a person’s behavior, actions, reactions, and decision-making. Despite the difficulties, it is essential for survivors to seek assistance and support on their road to recovery.
No one should ever make a victim feel that they are making a ‘big deal’ out of what happened or that they should ‘get over it’. How a victim was affected by rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse is never their fault, and people have different ways of dealing with it. Women tend to smooth things over and are conditioned not to use violence, so fighting back is not always the first reaction. These things can get a victim off-guard, shock their brain, and freeze them, and there is no certain ‘way’ a victim should act.
When a survivor speaks up about their experience of sexual assault, a common question that arises is, “Why now?” or “Are you just seeking attention?” These comments can discourage survivors from sharing their stories, as if their experiences are not valid unless they speak up immediately. It is important to understand that every survivor has their own journey of healing and recovery, and it takes courage to speak up about such a traumatic experience. The timing of their disclosure should not be questioned, and they should be met with empathy and support.
The first time Sharma experienced sexual assault, she confided in a friend, but instead of receiving the support and understanding she desperately needed, she was met with victim-blaming and made to believe that she was at fault. This experience left her feeling alone, ashamed, and confused about what had happened to her. It wasn’t until much later that she realized that these harmful beliefs were not only untrue but also damaging. No one deserves to be sexually assaulted, and it is never the victim’s fault. Seeking help and building a support system can be crucial in overcoming the trauma of sexual assault and reclaiming one’s power and agency.
In such situations, seeking help and support from the right people is a game-changer. It is important to find someone who will listen without judgment and offer empathy and support. It’s common for survivors of sexual assault to blame themselves and feel guilty, but it’s essential to forgive oneself and find ways to affirm every day that they are enough. Practicing self-care and self-love can also help in the healing process. Ultimately, it is crucial to remember that healing takes time, but with the right support and
