Tonic Immobility and Sexual Arousal During Sexual Violence

Tonic Immobility and Sexual Arousal During Sexual Violence

Tonic Immobility Experiencing assault is a traumatic event that can initiate intense reactions in the body beyond a person’s control. These reactions are commonly known as the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, and understanding these responses is crucial for survivors and those who support them. The body’s reaction to trauma is natural and no…

Halloween Can Be Difficult For Survivors of Sexual Violence
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Halloween Can Be Difficult For Survivors of Sexual Violence

Every survivor is different, and for some survivors, Halloween may just be another holiday. For others, it may be emotionally activating for a number of reasons. Why might Halloween be difficult for survivors of sexual and domestic violence? Some of the imagery or norms associated with Halloween can be difficult for survivors to manage. It’s…

What is Sexual Assault?

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any kind of non-consensual physical sexual act. It is an umbrella term that itself falls underneath the umbrella of sexual violence. Sexual assault covers a wide range of sexually violent acts that involve physical contact. All sexual assaults are acts of sexual violence, but not all acts of sexual violence are sexual…

What is Consent?

What is Consent?

Consent is essential in all of our interactions, not just sexual activity. When it comes to sexual acts, the presence of consent is what differentiates sex from sexual assault. Before we become sexually active, we need to understand what consent is and what it looks like. Sexual acts without consent are not sex, they are…

The “Perfect Victim” Myth
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The “Perfect Victim” Myth

The “perfect victim” is a common victim-blaming myth that has a negative effect on survivors. The perfect victim is an archetype outlining how a survivor “should” act during and after experiencing violence or abuse. These notions are often used to discredit, blame, and shame survivors who do not fit this narrow description, despite the fact…