Today we are going to touch upon a topic that needs a lot of attention but instead we simply shove it down our throats. If you are like most people who gets carried away easily at work, the day goes by so quickly and you have no time to take a breath, just because you are swamped working through deadlines, you probably would not read any further.

But if you are violence, trauma or assault survivor, keep reading.

I want to bring on some statistics on this topic: According to HR Acuity 2023 Workplace Harassment & Employee Misconduct Insights: just over half which is 52% of employees have experienced or witnessed inappropriate, unethical or illegal behaviors at work. The most prevalent of these behaviors were bullying (51%), sexual harassment (40%) and racism (30%). This should never be tolerated in the workplace.

Let’s break the terms down:

So What Is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse involves unwanted sexual activities performed without the victim’s consent, often involving force or threats. The reactions to sexual abuse can include fear, shock, and disbelief. Long-term effects may involve anxiety, fear, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

And What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault can take many forms, such as oral sex, inappropriate touching, rape, forceful kisses, and any touching without consent. It includes abuse, molestation, and other intolerable behaviors.

What about Sexual Trauma?

Sexual trauma occurs when someone experiences great stress due to inappropriate sexual behavior, affecting their emotional and psychological well-being.

If you are going through or have gone through sexual abuse at your workplace, I want you to know that what you’re feeling is valid, and none of this is your fault.

Keep reading the list and here are some things you might be experiencing, and they’re completely normal responses to trauma.

Emotional and psychological responses to sexual trauma or assault in the workplace can include:

• Anxiety – Feeling constantly on edge, worried, or uneasy, especially when you’re in work-related environments.
• Difficulty Trusting – Struggling to feel safe or comfortable around colleagues, even those you used to trust, is a natural response after betrayal.
• Self-Blame or Shame – You might find yourself questioning if you did something wrong, but please know the blame lies entirely with the perpetrator, not you.
• Isolation – Withdrawing from coworkers, friends, or family to avoid judgment, questions, or triggers is a protective mechanism your mind uses.
• Difficulty Focusing – Trouble concentrating on tasks or feeling distracted at work is common when your brain is overwhelmed by trauma.
• Emotional Numbness – Feeling detached from your emotions or like you’re just going through the motions at work can happen as a way to cope with the pain.
• Physical Symptoms – Headaches, fatigue, stomach pain, or body aches may show up as your body reacts to the emotional stress you’re carrying.
• Fear of Repercussions – Constantly worrying about retaliation, career damage, or being judged by others can add to the burden you’re already carrying.

None of this makes you weak or broken. These are normal responses to an incredibly difficult experience. You are not alone, and there’s support available to help you process what happened and begin to heal. I’m here if you need someone to talk to, and when you’re ready, there are professionals and resources that can guide you toward finding safety and peace again. 💜

If you are wondering: Is Healing from Sexual Abuse Possible at Any Age?

My answer: Healing is possible, no matter how long it’s been or what you’ve been through. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, assault, or trauma, please know this: it was never your fault. The blame lies entirely with the perpetrator—you did nothing wrong. You are not alone, and there is help available if you’re ready to reach out.

Accepting what happened can feel overwhelming, but it’s a powerful step forward. Let yourself feel the emotions—whether it’s anger, mistrust, or sadness. They are valid, and so are you. Healing begins when you acknowledge your pain and choose to care for yourself with love and compassion.

It’s not easy, but owning your power is possible.

Why? Because you deserve to lead a vibrant, fulfilling life, and it starts with having faith in yourself and taking that first step toward self-care and healing.

My Journey:

I understand these feelings deeply, as I have walked this path myself. My journey has been one of pain, acceptance, and ultimately, healing. For a long time, I felt trapped by my past, burdened by the trauma of sexual abuse. The journey to healing was not easy, but it was possible. I learned to accept what had happened and began to forgive myself, even though there was nothing to forgive. This acceptance was the first step in reclaiming my life and power.

Healing began when I chose to see myself not as a victim but as a survivor. By rebuilding self-love and compassion, I transformed my life and began helping others to do the same. I want you to know that you too can find this strength within you.

Here are 5 Steps to Heal from Sexual Abuse/Assault:

1. Express Your Feelings – Talk to someone you trust—a friend, a loved one, or a professional who will listen without judgment. Opening up can feel like lifting a weight off your chest. If you’re ready for deeper work, reach out & l can help you process your emotions and start moving forward.
2. Write It Out – Grab a journal and let your thoughts flow. Writing can be a powerful way to release the emotions you’ve been holding in. Suppressing your feelings only prolongs the pain, but putting them on paper helps you process stress and begin weaving your story into one of healing and strength.
3. Step Into Your Power – Trauma can leave you feeling small, but you are so much stronger than you realize. Focus on what makes you feel capable, whether it’s a favorite hobby, helping others, or volunteering. Every action you take to give back reminds you of your resilience and ability to thrive.
4. Create a Spiritual Practice – Try grounding yourself through daily practices like yoga, meditation, or even mindful breathing. These practices connect you to your body and help manage the lingering effects of trauma. Start small—whether it’s a few minutes of meditation or a mindful walk—and build from there.
5. Take Care of You – Healing happens when you nurture yourself. Give yourself permission to rest, eat well, and move your body in ways that feel good. Limit anything that feels overwhelming or triggers bad memories, and instead, surround yourself with people and activities that bring you peace and joy. 💜

Here is my take on how workplaces can support employees who have experienced sexual trauma:

1. Acknowledge the Reality, No Sugarcoating

Stop sweeping the issue under the rug with vague policies. Acknowledge that sexual trauma happens and explicitly commit to supporting survivors. Use clear, direct language in your company policies and communications.

2. Mandatory Trauma-Informed Training

Train leadership, HR, and managers to understand sexual trauma. This isn’t optional. They need to recognize the signs, handle disclosures with care, and create an emotionally safe workplace.

3. Zero Tolerance Isn’t Enough—Prove It

Zero-tolerance policies look good on paper, but action matters more. Create a fast-track, transparent process for investigating incidents. Survivors need to see accountability in real time, not buried under red tape.

4. Confidential Support Channels

Employees should have access to confidential hotlines, therapy resources, or even on-site counselors who specialize in trauma. Make these resources visible and easy to access—no one should have to dig for help.

5. Flexible Recovery Plans

Support survivors with flexible work options, whether it’s remote work, adjusted hours, or mental health leave. Healing doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and workplaces must adapt to this reality.

6. Safe Space for Disclosures

Create a truly safe and neutral environment for reporting, free from fear of retaliation. Offer anonymous reporting options, and make it clear that reporting won’t endanger careers.

7. Rethink Culture, Not Just Policies

Trauma thrives in toxic work cultures. Build an environment of respect and empathy, where employees feel supported, not judged. Call out inappropriate behavior immediately, even if it’s “small” or “just a joke.”

8. Empower Through Education

Regularly educate all employees about boundaries, consent, and respect in the workplace. When everyone understands what’s unacceptable, it’s easier to prevent issues before they escalate.

9. Lead with Empathy, Not Liability

Don’t focus solely on legal protections; focus on people. Survivors don’t want to be treated like risks to the company—they need understanding, validation, and action.

10. Measure Impact, Not Just Intent

Regularly survey employees about safety and inclusion to ensure your efforts are making a real difference. Adjust your strategies based on honest feedback, and hold leaders accountable for change.

Don’t let your workplace become a cautionary tale like Harvey Weinstein’s company—create a culture where respect, accountability, and safety are non-negotiable. And please don’t bring policy to the forefront—help to transform the workplace into a space where survivors can heal, thrive, and feel empowered again. Change starts with bold action, not empty promises.

Books I highly Recommend that Can Help:

1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
2. The Sexual Healing Journey by Wendy Maltz
3. Recovery of Your Inner Child by Lucia Capacchione, PhD, A.T.R., R.E.A.T.

Final Thoughts:

One of the most important parts of recovery is to remind yourself that the blame does not lie with you. Be determined to heal and let go of what no longer serves you. Empower yourself with love and compassion, and you’ll find the beauty in the present moment. With faith and patience, you will see how grace can return to your life.

Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. Take each step with courage and know that you are supported and loved.

If you’re a woman who has experienced abuse, assault, or trauma and need 1:1 support, or if your organization is looking to address these sensitive issues to support women on their healing journey, I’m here to help. Let’s connect and create a space for empowerment, healing, and growth – Book a FREE 30 MIN Consultation With Me.

Helpful Resources:

In the U.S: RAINN– National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 1-800-656-HOPE or chat online.

UK: Rape Crisis England & Wales– Call 0808-802-9999 or find your nearest facility (Rape Crisis)

Australia: 1800RESPECT Australia – Call the national helpline at 1800-737-732

Canada: Canadian Center For Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) and Assaulted Women’s Helpline – TOLL-FREE -1-866-863-0511

Reference – 2023 Workplace Harassment & Employee Misconduct Insights