Healing from Sexual Violence - It Was Never Your Fault
About a 3 min read.
The Reality of Sexual Violence
According to a Cabinet Office survey (2023), approximately 1 in 14 women and 1 in 100 men in Japan reported having been forced into sexual intercourse. However, only about 5% of sexual violence victims report the crime to police, meaning the vast majority of cases remain hidden.
There is a common image of sexual violence being committed by strangers, but in reality, approximately 80% of victims know their assailant. A partner, friend, boss, teacher, family member. Abuse by someone who was trusted often causes more severe psychological damage than abuse by a stranger.
Psychological Impact of Sexual Violence
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Approximately 50% of sexual violence survivors are said to develop PTSD. Flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal (a state of constant vigilance), and avoidance behavior (avoiding places and situations that trigger memories of the assault). These are the brain's trauma responses, not signs of "weakness."
Self-Blame
"If only I had resisted." "If only I hadn't gone to that place." "If only I hadn't worn those clothes." It is extremely common for survivors to blame themselves, but the responsibility for sexual violence lies 100% with the perpetrator. The victim's behavior, clothing, or alcohol consumption does not justify violence. The freeze response (the body becoming immobilized by fear) is an automatic defensive reaction of the nervous system, and "not resisting" does not equal consent. (You can deepen your understanding through books on recovery from sexual violence)
Fear of Intimacy
After sexual violence, a person may feel fear not only of sexual contact but of physical intimacy in general. This can affect the relationship with a partner, and guilt may arise from being unable to have a "normal" sex life.
Steps to Recovery
1. Secure Your Safety
If contact with the perpetrator continues, securing physical safety is the top priority. Consulting the police, using a DV shelter, or staying with someone you trust. Psychological recovery cannot begin unless safety is secured.
2. Access Professional Support
There are support organizations that specialize in sexual violence. One-stop support centers (national short dial #8891 in Japan), sexual assault relief centers, and crime victim support centers. These provide comprehensive services including medical care (emergency contraception, STI testing, injury treatment), psychological care (counseling), and legal support (filing reports, protection orders).
3. Receive Trauma Treatment
For PTSD, Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR have demonstrated high effectiveness. These treatments help process traumatic memories safely and support cognitive restructuring - the realization that "what happened was not my fault." Treatment takes time, but many survivors experience significant improvement in symptoms. (Books on trauma treatment can also be helpful)
4. Set Your Own Pace for Recovery
Recovery does not progress in a straight line. You move forward little by little, alternating between good days and bad days. Even if a flashback occurs the day after you thought "I'm okay now," it is not a setback. Do not let anyone else dictate the pace of your recovery.
Summary
What happened to you was not your fault. You are not to blame. And recovery is possible. Secure your safety, access professional support, and walk the path of recovery at your own pace. You are not alone.