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Message of Healing

"When a Safe Space Shatters: Why Adults May Not Believe a Young Person's Abuse Story" delves into the complex dynamics surrounding the disbelief of young individuals who disclose abuse, particularly when it involves sexual abuse. It highlights the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile the shocking truth of abuse with their preconceived notions of the perpetrator and their family. This internal conflict often leads to denial, even in the face of evidence. Furthermore, the text emphasizes how abusers manipulate fear to maintain silence and perpetuate societal myths about abuse, making it difficult for victims, especially those of sexual abuse, to be heard and believed. It sheds light on the additional challenges faced by victims of sexual abuse due to societal taboos and stigmas, which can further exacerbate disbelief and reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the abuse. The message reinforces that disbelief should never be attributed to the victim, who courageously speaks out about their experiences. It encourages support and understanding for victims of abuse, especially sexual abuse, and emphasizes the availability of resources to aid in their healing process.

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Grounding activity

Find a comfortable place to sit. Gently close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths - in through your nose (count to 3), out through your mouth (count of 3). Now open your eyes and look around you. Name the following out loud:

5 – things you can see (you can look within the room and out of the window)

4 – things you can feel (what is in front of you that you can touch?)

3 – things you can hear

2 – things you can smell

1 – thing you like about yourself.

Take a deep breath to end.

From where you are sitting, look around for things that have a texture or are nice or interesting to look at.

Hold an object in your hand and bring your full focus to it. Look at where shadows fall on parts of it or maybe where there are shapes that form within the object. Feel how heavy or light it is in your hand and what the surface texture feels like under your fingers (This can also be done with a pet if you have one).

Take a deep breath to end.

Ask yourself the following questions and answer them out loud:

1. Where am I?

2. What day of the week is today?

3. What is today’s date?

4. What is the current month?

5. What is the current year?

6. How old am I?

7. What season is it?

Take a deep breath to end.

Put your right hand palm down on your left shoulder. Put your left hand palm down on your right shoulder. Choose a sentence that will strengthen you. For example: “I am powerful.” Say the sentence out loud first and pat your right hand on your left shoulder, then your left hand on your right shoulder.

Alternate the patting. Do ten pats altogether, five on each side, each time repeating your sentences aloud.

Take a deep breath to end.

Cross your arms in front of you and draw them towards your chest. With your right hand, hold your left upper arm. With your left hand, hold your right upper arm. Squeeze gently, and pull your arms inwards. Hold the squeeze for a little while, finding the right amount of squeeze for you in this moment. Hold the tension and release. Then squeeze for a little while again and release. Stay like that for a moment.

Take a deep breath to end.