April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it highlights the significant impact of sexual violence, affecting many individuals across the U.S. Sexual trauma can lead to 'Big T' trauma, which disrupts emotional intimacy and sexual pleasure in relationships. Survivors frequently struggle with containing conflicting emotions and face somatic shutdowns that disconnect them from authentic experiences of intimacy. With proper support, understanding, and the use of somatic exercises, survivors can work towards healing and reclaiming their sexual and emotional well-being, normalizing open conversations about trauma in intimate relationships.
Survivors of sexual trauma often experience dissociation during intimacy, blocking genuine pleasure, as their brains react to past threats with survival instincts that interfere with emotional connection.
Partners of trauma survivors must recognize that trauma is not their fault. Providing specific support and understanding is essential for healing and rebuilding intimacy within the relationship.
Somatic exercises play a crucial role in aiding trauma recovery. By fostering a connection between the mind and body, survivors can work towards reclaiming their sexual pleasure and emotional intimacy.
According to RAINN, sexual violence and assault affects 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men annually, highlighting the pervasive impact of trauma on sexual and emotional relationships.
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