Sexual Assault Im confused about one of my triggers

[Liliistrash]

I was sexually abused and technically raped(statutory). Is it okay to get triggered by the word rape? When I do I feel like I shouldn't be and that my reactions are completely unreasonable and invalid. I'm just wondering if I'm right?

 

[Friday]

This might help you out >>> Stressor vs. Trigger - What Is A Trigger?

 

[Liliistrash]

This might help you out >>> Stressor vs. Trigger - What Is A Trigger?

That uhm didn't really help but thank you

 

[Chris-duck]

I think what you're asking has a longer, more complicated answer that what you're hoping for. You say you were raped, and are now triggered by the word rape, which is both normal and understandable really. But it seems more like you're asking if whatever you went through counts as rape? I'll assume yeah cos you say it was, n I just wonder why you think otherwise while acknowledging that it was. Which is another normal thing around these parts, but has a less direct answer.

 

[Friday]

That stressors don’t have to have jack to do with your actual trauma, to cause reactions as severe as triggers, doesn’t help explain why a word that actually recalls your trauma to you is causing a reaction?

 

[Liliistrash]

I think what you're asking has a longer, more complicated answer that what you're hoping for. You say you were raped, and are now triggered by the word rape, which is both normal and understandable really. But it seems more like you're asking if whatever you went through counts as rape? I'll assume yeah cos you say it was, n I just wonder why you think otherwise while acknowledging that it was. Which is another normal thing around these parts, but has a less direct answer.

Well I meant that what I went through was mainly abuse but its also statutory rape. I'm just confused on how I get triggered by something that didn't happen to me but it gives me Flashbacks of what did

 

[Chris-duck]

Um.

its also statutory rape

something that didn't happen to me

You also say it *did* happen..? I get feeling ambivalent on it. But..?

 

[Liliistrash]

Um.


You also say it *did* happen..? I get feeling ambivalent on it. But..?

Okay so actual rape didn't happen. It was sexual abuse but because I was a minor it was also charged as statutory Rape. I'm saying that word or talk about rape triggers my abuse flashbacks. It doesn't make sense to me and I don't know if its wrong to have that reaction

 

[Ronin]

Just because it was a specific *type* of sexual violence doesn't discount a reaction to more stereotypical / otherwise done / other legal status, sexual violence.

Also suuuper normal reaction to have. ;) Welcome. Sorry you are here but glad you found us & glad you are reaching out and thinking things through / working on your healing.

 

[Wonder Woman]

You were under 18 years if age, so you experienced childhood sexual assault (CSA). If you were penetrated (somthing was inserted into your mouth, vagina, or anus), then you were raped. These are technical definitions. Really, that doesn't matter, though. You, a child, experienced trauma at the hands of an adult. You were violated.

No matter the specifics, you need help, so you can heal, and have the beautiful life that you deserve.

I think you are maybe held-up by the "statutory rape" legal term. In reality, an adult used you for their own sexual gain. That is simply wrong. Most likely you were groomed to feel like this was a "relationship" that you wanted to participate in with the abuser. This really messed with your mind, as it would anyone's. That is why you need a good counselor, someone experienced in working with CSA victims.

Yes, you were a victim. However, you can seek help, which (by the way) you have already done, by posting here. Healing from this type of abuse is hard work, but you are so worth it.

I pray you will find the exact help you need to fully heal, and enjoy a full life.

Take it from someone who was raped at 12-years-old, and waited over 30 years to get help: Sooner is better than later.

 

[Wonder Woman]

Sorry. I forgot to answer your question. It makes complete sense that the word rape would be a trigger for you.

Your response is very normal, give the abuse you experienced.