April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

What is sexual assault?

Sexual assault refers to sexual behavior that occurs without the clear consent of the victim. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), this includes:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts
• Sex without consent or sexual acts continuing after consent has been revoked.

1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men report experiencing an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime. Women in college are 3 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than women in general, 1 in 2 transgender people are victims of sexual assault and Indigenous peoples are 2 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault compared to other races.

How does sexual assault impact mental health?

Sexual assault can have short and long-term effects on the victim’s mental health. Many survivors report flashbacks of their assault, and feelings of shame, isolation, shock, confusion, and guilt. Victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for developing the following: depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

How can you support a loved one who has been a victim of sexual assault?

1.) Express care and concern – here are four messages that you can say that may help:

• I believe you.
• The assault was not your fault.
• Help is available.
• You are not alone.

2.) Believe them – make it clear you believe the assault happened and assure them it is not their fault. Never ask “why” questions.

3.) Give them the space they need – let the survivor tell you how they feel and give them the space to share their story, but without feeling like they have to.

4.) Let them know they do not have to go through this alone – provide appropriate resources and support them in contacting the Sexual Assault Crisis Line and/or other supports to access medical attention, available resources, and information.

5.) Encourage immediate medical attention – sexual assault victims ideally should seek medical attention within the first 24-36 hours after the assault, as they could have unknown internal or external injuries. In addition, hospital staff such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) are trained to collect, preserve, and document any physical evidence of the assault.

6.) Give the victim a sense of control – all control has been taken away from the victim. Help empower the survivor by allowing them to make decisions about what steps they want to take next.

7.) Take care of yourself and recognized your own limitations – recognize that hearing about sexual assault can be very difficult and you are going to have your own feelings, such as sadness and anger, about what has happened. This is normal, please be kind to yourself.

8.) Be patient and understanding – the trauma from sexual assault does not go away quickly, be patient in supporting your friend through this difficult time.

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March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, shedding light on a critical issue that affects many, especially our youth. While self-harm and self-injury are often used interchangeably, there’s a key difference. Self-harm refers to any damaging behaviour done in moments of stress or distress, while self-injury specifically involves causing physical harm to oneself. These behaviours are more common among youth, with approximately 2 in 10 intentionally harming themselves. Girls are twice as likely as boys to engage in such behaviour, and it typically begins between the ages of 13 and 15. Parents and caregivers must be aware and prepared for the challenges associated with self-harm among young individuals.

The Why of self-harm

When people struggle to express their feelings and hold onto emotions like distress or anger, it can build up inside like a pressure cooker. For some, this pressure becomes too much, and they might resort to self-harm to let it out. It’s like turning emotional pain into physical pain, either as a form of self-punishment, an attempt to control when life feels chaotic, or for those that feel numb, its a reminder that they’re alive. The urge to hurt oneself often hits harder during moments of anger, distress, or anxiety. Various reasons push people towards self-harm, ranging from issues at home, conflicts, academic stress, bullying, anxiety, low self-esteem or big life changes.

Treatment and Support: What You Need to Know

Addressing self-harm often involves talk therapy, focusing on identifying triggers, improving problem-solving skills, regulating emotions, challenging unhealthy thoughts, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Caregivers play a vital role by offering support. It’s crucial to understand that recovery takes time and pressuring someone to stop abruptly may be counterproductive.

Guide for Parents: How to Support Your Child

Understanding Self-Harm:

1. Differentiating Self-Harm and Self-Injury: Know that self-harm happens during stress, while self-injury involves physical harm.
2. Recognizing Signs: Be aware of potential signs like unexplained cuts, bruises, frequent isolation, or hidden sharp objects.

Approaching the Situation:

1. Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to discuss their feelings without judgment. Let them know you’re there to listen and support.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about self-harm and its causes to better support your child.

Providing Support:

1. Show Love and Care: Reassure your child of your unconditional love and express concern for their well-being.
2. Acknowledge Feelings: Validate their emotions and let them know it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re there to help.

Practical Assistance:

1. First Aid Skills: Learn basic first aid for minor injuries and be ready to seek medical attention if necessary.
2. Building Trust: Express empathy and understanding, avoid disgust or disappointment, and assure your child of your continuous support.

Encouraging Healthy Coping:

1. Self-Soothing Techniques: Encourage healthy coping like deep breathing, mindfulness, journaling, or enjoyable activities.
2. Seeking Professional Help: Support your child in seeking therapy or counselling to address underlying issues and develop effective coping skills.

Patience and Understanding:

1. Emphasize Time and Patience: Recovery takes time with possible setbacks. Be patient and supportive.
2. Avoid Pressuring: Refrain from pressuring your child to stop abruptly. Focus on ongoing support and understanding as they work towards healthier coping mechanisms.

Supporting a child through self-harm is challenging, but with patience, understanding, and unconditional love, you can be a crucial part of their journey towards healing. Prioritize open communication, provide practical assistance, and encourage healthy coping. Above all, let your child know they are not alone, and you are there to support them every step of the way. Together, we can foster hope and healing.

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