Life After Sexual Assault

Often times when discussing sexual assault, we become so focused on the trauma the victim has suffered that we forget to mention there is a life afterward.  There has been no clearer of a reminder than that of Elizabeth Smart.

For many people, the name Elizabeth Smart will sound familiar.  She had been kidnapped from her home in 2002 and spent the following nine months being sexually assaulted by her kidnapper, Brian David Mitchell, while constantly on the move.  She had been rescued in 2003 but her case wasn't able to come to a close until 2010 when Mitchel was sentenced to a life sentence along with his wife, who was sentenced to 15 years.

Smart has gone on to be an advocate and an activist for abused children, speaking out on a national level against sexual abuse and continuing to live her life.  Just over one week ago, she married Matthew Gilmour in Hawaii, having an unannounced ceremony to avoid unwanted attention.

The important message to take from this is that she is continuing to live her life.  There is a misconception that victims are forever damaged, never able to recuperate from the trauma.  There are many people out there like Elizabeth Smart, people who are able to heal from the trauma.  That's why it's important that when we look to bring attention to sexual assault, for all the harm it causes, we can't forget to celebrate all those who have healed and overcome.

Everybody has their own way of healing and there is help out there for them.  The Sexual Assault Center of Child and Family Services is committed to help survivors through prevention, advocacy, and therapy.  If you'd like to know more or are looking for help with sexual assault, please call us at 989-790-9118.