Shattered Silence: Finding Faith-Based Healing After Sexual Violence

Introduction

What if I told you there was a crime so dark and isolating that it causes lifelong mental and emotional damage to countless individuals in the U.S. every single day? Would you want to know what it is? Would you speak up if you were affected by this embarrassing and deeply personal crime?

Let’s be brave today and have a real discussion.

Sexual violence occurs in the U.S. every 68 seconds, amounting to over 1,200 assaults daily. A study by White Law PLLC explored the devastating impact of sexual violence on lives, mental health, and communities. As a survivor myself, the results of this study were both heartbreaking and a call to action.

The Mental Health Toll

We often focus on the immediate aftermath of sexual violence — the unimaginable harm and confusion of those who find themselves alone with their abusers, unable to stop them or scream for help. But the reality is that the trauma lingers long after the assault.

Of the survivors who fight to live a normal life, 94% struggle with PTSD, depression, and potential substance abuse. The dark cloud of shame, distorted reality, and the anxiety of not knowing who to trust follows them relentlessly. I can personally attest that the real battle isn’t the act of sexual violence itself, but the lifelong fight to overcome the permanent emotional scars left by the abuser.

When survivors remain voiceless and untreated, their behaviors often become a cry for help. This can be misinterpreted as attention-seeking, but the best response to their frustration and lack of joy is to create a safe space where they realize they are not alone. That is what this article, inspired by the White Law PLLC study, aims to do.

Prevalence and Demographics: The Hidden Epidemic

A staggering 22.5 million Americans (9.85%) aged 12–64 will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. What may seem like a low percentage actually represents a dismissal of the abusers who walk free, evading accountability and the rehabilitation they desperately need to break the cycle of violence.

It’s alarming that the prevalence of PTSD among sexual assault survivors is significantly higher than the 7–8% of the general population who experience PTSD due to other trauma. This demands our attention. The more we understand how to provide effective treatment to this specific group, the better we can equip them to live healthier lives, free from the weight of their trauma.

Even more concerning is that 80% of victims know their perpetrators, with 59% being acquaintances and 34% family members. Imagine the added burden of constantly being reminded of the person who stole your sense of safety and trust. The pressure to remain silent, to protect the abuser’s reputation, can be immense. This silence intensifies the anxiety and unresolved anger, especially for those abused in childhood, when they may feel no one will believe them.

Finding Strength in Faith

In my own healing journey, I learned to cling to my faith. It provided me with hope, compassion, forgiveness, and the ability to extend mercy and grace to myself — a reflection of God’s mercy and grace. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” This verse encourages humility and reminds us to seek safe haven, starting with a loving God.

Isaiah 54:14 offers another powerful assurance: “In righteousness you will be established: Tyranny will be far from you; you will have nothing to fear. Terror will be far removed; it will not come near you.” This verse reminds us that in stepping forward and seeking truth, we are safe.

For those who question the fate of those who commit these injustices, Proverbs 6:16–19 offers clarity: “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” This scripture helps to alleviate the fear of retaliation and reminds survivors that they are not to blame.

Working with others through a faith-based lens has helped them move away from feeling like victims and empowered them to transform their pain into a source of inspiration and resilience.

The Economic Costs: A Shared Burden

The U.S. spends $127 billion annually on the consequences of sexual violence. This unspoken epidemic burdens all Americans, not just the survivors. It’s a problem that keeps repeating itself, hindering survivors from fully participating in society and contributing their potential.

While perpetrators bear the sole responsibility for their actions, we must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. By investing in prevention and early intervention, we can potentially save on healthcare and legal costs in the long run.

Imagine how much we could save if policy reforms addressed this issue head-on. Our resources are being diverted, weakening our nation’s productivity and human capital. Prisons and courtrooms overflow with cases stemming from domestic violence, forcing victims to relive their trauma through lengthy trials. While offenders may face accountability, the focus on punishment often overshadows the need for rehabilitation and mental health support.

We need to challenge our political representatives, mental health providers, faith-based leaders, and community advocates to work together to develop real solutions. Imagine a transformed environment where safe spaces allow individuals to confront their internal battles and heal, preventing further harm and loss of productivity. A focus on healing benefits everyone and contributes to a more prosperous America.

Shocking Insights from the Study: A Call for Change

The White Law PLLC study highlights the long-lasting impact of PTSD on survivors, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being. It took me 10 years to achieve a breakthrough in my own healing journey, and I continue to prioritize self-care and growth. Having navigated my own challenges, I now find purpose in helping others through faith-based principles, teaching them essential skills like emotional regulation, processing trauma, and building resilience.

The study also reveals an alarming trend of victims turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with unaddressed trauma. This underscores the urgent need for early intervention and accessible support.

This study is a crucial call to action for policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and advocates. We must leverage this data to enhance mental health and substance abuse support for survivors, amplify their voices, raise public awareness, and foster community-level action to address systemic issues.

Calls to Action: What You Can Do

This article is just the beginning. Real change requires action from all of us. Here’s what you can do:

• Educate Yourself: Learn more about the impact of sexual violence and cultivate compassion for survivors.
• Start the Conversation: Talk to your family and friends about the importance of speaking up and seeking help, whether they are potential offenders or victims of abuse.
• Advocate for Change: Contact your local policymakers and urge them to prioritize policies that address sexual violence and support survivors.
• Support Survivors: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that provide services to survivors.

Conclusion: Breaking the Cycle of Silence and Suffering

Without action and awareness, the healing process will remain out of reach for many survivors. We need to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and move beyond treating it as a taboo private matter. It’s a societal issue with far-reaching consequences, and simply throwing money at the problem or focusing solely on punishment will not lead to true healing and resolution.

As a White Law PLLC spokesperson aptly stated, “The prevalence of sexual violence in the U.S. and its long-term impact on survivors is a public health crisis that demands immediate action. This study underscores the critical need for systemic change, survivor support, and public awareness to address the issue head-on.”

The complete study offers a comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations for reducing sexual violence and supporting survivors. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline, available 24/7 at 1–800–656–4673.

Sexual Violence

Mental Health

Trauma

PTSD

Faith