I have reported a sexual abuse today and am feeling immense feelings of guilt. I seem to need reassurance from others that I have done the right thing. Why do I feel guilty for an action I didn’t make or ask for? The police said I did the right thing to make a statement but I am now questioning myself because of guilt. Why do I not feel safe to speak up as a victim of sexual abuse

Hi Rah33,

It sounds like it took a lot of courage for you to make this disclosure and it would not have been easy.  It is understandable to have a sense of guilt reporting someone who has inflicted this type of abuse.  The person who inflicts the abuse can often times be someone close to a victim and the victim can have loyalty towards their abuser.  I understand that this may sound strange, however this can be quite common.  

Someone may need safety to speak up about sexual abuse because much confidence has been stripped away from enduring such a heavy trauma.  Please be gentle and kind to yourself. 

We would strongly urge that you contact 1800RESPECT. They offer 24/7 confidential information, counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. The lovely supportive counsellors have a lot of experience offering advice and support to anyone who has been through trauma like this. You can contact them on 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/.

You can also contact one of our friendly counsellors can be another option to work through the guilt and feelings that you may be processing.   Beyond Blue Support Service is available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport   

Hello Dear Rah33..

As our lovely Sophie says it takes a lot of courage to disclose what happened to you and to report it to the police..

I can reassure you that you done the right thing...Please don’t feel guilty..you have done nothing wrong...Just the opposite really...What he did to you..he might also do to someone else if he wasn’t reported and hopefully stopped..by reporting him you have most likely saved a few other people from going through the same as you did...I am so very proud of you...You definitely done the right thing...

Please Dear Rah..If you need to talk here and feel up to it..We are all here to help support you as much as we can...I also have PTSD from sexual abuse and a few other things...

Try to always remember dear Rah...You done nothing wrong and didn’t deserve what happened to you..no one does..

Sending you caring and warm wishes..

Grandy..

Thank you for these words. I have had the toughest day today filled with anger and fear. I do not feel alone after reading your response. You have helped me

Hello Rah...

Are you okay lovely...Here if you need to talk about your day today...

A warm hug..🤗...

Grandy..