Content Warning: This blog post discusses themes of sexual assault.
Healing the Trauma of Rape: A Journey Towards Justice
As a teenager, I found myself in a situation that no one should ever have to endure. I was drugged, assaulted, and violated in ways that have left deep scars.
For years, I struggled to even acknowledge what had happened to me, referring to it as a “date rape” when in reality, there was no date – it was simply a horrific act of violence.
The journey towards healing and justice has been long and arduous.
I remember wishing that God would intervene in a biblical manner, raining down vengeance on those who had harmed me.
But as I’ve grown and processed this trauma, I’ve come to understand that true justice often looks different from what we might envision.
” It’s taken me decades to fully comprehend the gravity of what was done to me. The shame, the self-blame, the feeling that I had somehow “deserved” what happened – these are all common responses to sexual assault. But through the power of God’s Word and the support of loved ones, I’ve learned to see myself as a beloved child of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and restoration. “
The road ahead is not an easy one, but I am finding strength in my faith and in the knowledge that I am not alone. There are others who have walked this path before me, and there are resources and communities available to help survivors like myself find healing and justice.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please know that you are not to blame. Reach out for support, whether it’s to a trusted friend, a counselor, or a crisis hotline.
Your story matters, and you deserve to find the peace and wholeness that God intends for you.
From God’s perspective, true justice may look different than what we might expect.
While we may desire swift and dramatic retribution, God’s justice often comes through the quiet, steady work of healing, restoration, and redemption.
As I’ve learned to see myself through God’s eyes, I’ve come to understand that justice is not about punishment, but about the restoration of dignity, the mending of brokenness, and the triumph of love over darkness.
In my journey, I’ve discovered that the path to justice is paved with vulnerability, courage, and a willingness to let God’s grace transform the deepest wounds.
It’s a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a steadfast belief that even in the midst of the most devastating circumstances, God is working to bring about something beautiful.
One way that I have overcome this trauma with God’s word is through the practice of drawing images of the event.
Am I an artist?
Hardly – my drawings are barely better than stick figures. But the act of putting pen to paper and externalizing the memories has been incredibly powerful.
You can do this too – it can be anything that has hurt you, from feeling slighted by a colleague, to a betrayal, or a physical attack. Just get it down on paper.
My favorite method is to use a translucent piece of paper such as tracing paper or even vellum, place it on top of the images, and then write God’s truth over it.
You can also write a letter from Jesus to you, starting with “Precious Daughter.” No one can separate you from God’s love, as the apostle Paul reminds us.
You can write the scripture and truth right over your images. It doesn’t need to be neat or wonderfully artistic – it just needs to help you heal.
I once had a friend who had her home remodeled, and before the new concrete floor was poured in the pantry, she had a wooden cross placed in the foundation. The concrete was then poured over it, sealing God’s truth into the very structure of her home.
What a beautiful symbol of God’s unfailing love, which surrounds us regardless of our circumstances.
The path to healing and justice may be long and winding, but with God’s help, we can find the courage to face our demons and the hope to believe that something beautiful can rise from the ashes of our trauma.
Image by TaeYong Park from Pixabay
I appreciate seeing content like this as it’s not often discussed in Church settings. Your story is one that unfortunately, a lot of women can relate to. Seeing what the Bible says about this topic is comforting, and I hope it’s discussed more widely across Churches. Thanks for sharing your story!