News stories about sexual abuse in the media are everywhere right now, and seeing them can feel very overwhelming.
You might have seen reports about famous people or others who have been in the public eye. These stories often talk about sexual abuse and violence. It can feel like these headlines are everywhere you look – when you open your phone or turn on the TV, it’s hard to avoid them. This can be very overwhelming and upsetting for lots of people.
Why are sexual abuse stories hard to read?
Seeing these reports can bring up lots of different feelings. You might feel angry that people have been hurt. You might feel sad for those who aren’t being believed.
For some, these stories can be an emotional “trigger”. This means they can bring up or “trigger” emotions such as fear or anger that could be related to something bad that happened in the past. If you experienced trauma or abuse in the past (historical abuse), it can make those old feelings come back very strongly, which is a normal way for your brain to react.
It’s especially hard when the media talks about victims who aren’t believed. This can make people feel like their own voices don’t matter. It might make you feel worried about speaking up.
Seeing someone famous or influential get away with things is confusing. It can make the world feel like an unfair or unsafe place. These feelings are valid, and many others are feeling them too.
How does sexual abuse news affect your mind?
When we constantly see stories about sexual assault, our bodies can go into high alert. This means you might feel jumpy or find it hard to relax. You might have trouble sleeping or find yourself thinking about the news all day.
Some people feel numb, which is when you feel like you can’t feel any emotions at all. Your mind does this to try to protect you from being too upset.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to read every detail. Journalists often use sensational language, which means they use words that are meant to shock people or grab their attention. It’s okay to look away – you aren’t ignoring the problem by choosing to protect your own peace of mind.
Taking a break from the screen
One of the best things you can do is set boundaries with your devices, like your phone or TV.
You can choose to mute certain words on social media so those stories don’t pop up. If a conversation in a group chat is becoming too much, you can leave it.
Taking a digital detox can also help. This just means staying away from the internet for a little while.
Instead, try to spend time doing things that make you feel safe and grounded. You could go for a walk, listen to music, or play a game. Focusing on the real world around you can help quiet the noise from the media. It reminds you that there is more to life than the things in the headlines.
Finding someone to talk to
If the news is making you feel very low, please don’t sit with those feelings alone.
Talking to a friend can help, but sometimes you might need a professional. A professional is someone, like a counsellor or support worker, who is trained to help. They know how to listen without judging you. They can give you tools to help handle the emotions you’re feeling.
Some useful services run by professionals include:
- NSPCC Sexual Abuse: Information about child sexual abuse, how to identify it and support a child who is a victim
- Live Fear Free: 24/7 helpline for anyone in Wales experiencing sexual violence or abuse. You can call them anytime on 0808 8010 800, text 07860077333, or visit their website for a live chat
- Welsh Women’s Aid: A charity in Wales working to end violence against women and girls
- Galop: LGBT+ anti-abuse charity working with and for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence
- Survivors UK: Provides counselling to support male and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse, assault or rape
- Rape Crisis: Specialist information and support to those affected by rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment and all other forms of sexual violence and abuse
Meic is a helpline run by professional advisers who are friendly and non-judgemental. They’re trained to give you information, advice and advocacy. Contacting the Meic helpline is free, and you can chat to an adviser in English or Welsh.
