Women who have survived and coped in whatever way with the impact of sexual assault have immense courage and strength. Women survivors have the ability and inner capacity to heal from the trauma of sexual assault. Women survivors have the right to be in control of their own process of healing and empowerment. A holistic model of health where the wellbeing of women includes physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects is best suited to the needs of women survivors of sexual assault. Many women wonder whether they will ever get over the trauma of being sexualy assaulted.
Many women experience sexual assault as a traumatic life-threatening experience.
Some women may be too distressed to seek counseling immediately after the assault. Disturbing after-effects may continue for years. Commonly-held community beliefs which place the responsibility for the assault on the victim add to women's distress. The perpetrator of the assault is responsible for his behaviour not the victim. No one asks to be raped.