This article directly addresses the partners of people who have suffered sexual violence. Its aim is to explain the impacts of sexual violence on intimacy and partnered life. Overall, the article aims to demystify and normalize certain reactions or attitudes that survivors of sexual violence may have in their relationships.
A survivor’s reactions to intimacy, vulnerability and sexuality can sometimes be difficult to understand for those who care about them. This article discusses the concrete effects that sexual violence can have on a person’s emotional regulation, self-esteem, and sexuality. The article also explores practical solutions for alleviating these effects on intimate relationships, and for accompanying the survivor in a respectful way.
Please note that this article is only available in English. For an equivalent resource in French, we recommend the article En tant que partenaire, que dois-je savoir? written by the CALACS in Châteauguay, which is also available on this platform.
Opening the circle
Opening the circle is an initiative to develop tools by and for the Sexual Assault Center London community. During monthly meetings, community members and surrounding professionals established the groundwork for the project. Among other tools, this initiative took the form of a website bringing together various resources and offering peer support.
