r/Glasgow Tools

Having worked with survivors of sexual assaults I'm of the opinion that you probably do need to seek some additional support that doesn't come in the form of posting on Reddit.

I'm not suggesting that you should be banned as I believe there may be some catharsis for you in writing anonymously about your experiences.

However, the detail in your posts can come across as quite shocking and may expose you to content from other Reddit subscribers that isn't helpful.

There's a very common trait among survivors of trauma where they feel shame and guilt about the trauma and somehow feel they were to blame, when they first expose the trauma to someone who's trained and are accepted as they are there's a catharsis, a feeling of relief, so they then start to share the details with others seeking the same relief.

This can be a very dangerous path as explained above, exposing yourself to unhelpful/unhealthy advice or guidance or unhelpful comments.

Not everyone will have the capacity to express empathy, listen to the story and respond in a manner that's appropriate for you to hear, vicariously people often respond with either revulsion at the perpetrators or sympathy with the survivors when really they need empathy.

I would strongly suggest you seek some additional support from a trained professional.

I'm not saying for one second that survivors shouldn't speak out, but the devil is in detail.

Good luck and I hope you get the help and support you need.