Lady Gaga’s moving rendition of “Till it happens to you” was recorded for the documentary on campus rape, “The Hunting Ground”. While watching her performance I couldn’t help but to recall all of the women and yes, men who I have provided bail and alcohol monitors arrested for acting out or drug and alcohol abuse in an misguided attempt to deal with the pain of a past assault.
Jail is surely not the answer, nor are monitors or admonitions to shape up or to just say know. These victims will not find peace until the weight of their terrible secret is dealt with by reaching out and getting the emotional help they need.
As is often said but bears repeating, it is not your fault and you are not alone.
To that end we have list some organizations that can help
Pinellas Rape Crisis Center:
http://www.suncoastcenter.org/rape-crisis-center
Therapists who deal with assault victims:
https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?county=Pinellas&spec=256
National Sexual Assault Hotline | 1.800.656.HOPE(4673)
RAINN: Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
https://rainn.org/
National Center for Victims of Crime
For veterans:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/trauma/war/military-sexual-trauma.asp
