These and other situations require the sexual assault survivor to not only stay in one's body and all of the horrific associations with that requirement but also to articulate boundaries and negotiate options. Equipping the survivor in advance of these unexpected scenarios can go a long way to ensure agency and safety for the victim of past sexual violence.

Prepare! Prepare! And Prepare! Survivors may not anticipate situational triggers in unexpected situations. Walking away from these situations may not be an option.

26 Suggestions: Responding to Potential Devastating Trauma Triggering Situations

Be Prepared in Advance

1. Have a prepared script that is rehearsed on what you wish to reveal and not reveal in an unforeseen situation that may require disclosure.
2. In given conditions, generate options or accommodations that might help with making the scenario easier.
3. With medical or dental visits, ask to speak to the doctor or dentist in advance privately about accommodations that might make the appointment more comfortable for you. Ask for a support person to be present with you during medical visits.
4. With TSA, ask for privacy and request when possible a trusted friend/ fellow traveler be present with you during the pat down.
5. Encourage the TSA person to instruct you directly on what the pat down will entail. Ask the TSA representative to let you request needed breaks during the pat down. With police, stay calm by focusing on breathing and responding to questions asked. If you feel comfortable, let the officer know that you are a survivor and request accommodations.
6. Practice grounding skills and mindfulness tools.
7. Keep an associated serenity object such as a gem with you whenever possible.
8. Carry a water bottle with you.

While In the situation....

Stay Grounded

1. Taking 5 long, deep breaths.
2. Feel your feet on the ground.
3. Review current surroundings – what do you see, hear, feel right now in the present.
4. If possible, alternate light, slow tapping of knees or folded arms for bilateral calming.
5. Take a sip of water if you have water bottle with you.
6. Stay present, listen to what is being said and hear without judgment.
7. Focus on the words and not the emotions of the other person.
8. Ask for assistance, i.e., this is difficult for me, please give me a minute to collect myself . . .
9. With a deep breath and tuning into your own comfort level, share what you feel you have prepared regarding your disclosure as a survivor.
10. If the person does not respond with empathy, reassurance or offers of comfort, know that they are likely to be uncomfortable with the circumstances themselves, inherently lack empathic skills, and/or are possibly a survivor not in recovery.
11. Stay present, look at the person and reaffirm that this is a difficult situation. Ask them to help you in whatever ways you feel might make the situation easier for you.

Post Situation

1. Breathe and congratulate yourself on getting through successfully a tough situation.
2. Be kind to yourself and allow for any emotions to arise. Allow them to surface and breathe through them. Let yourself know, these feelings will pass. I am safe.
3. Be aware of any signs of early flashbacks. Breathe. Tune into your environment and name three things that you can see, hear, touch in the now. Let yourself know that you are safe and what has happened in the past is not happening now. Identify the date, time and year.
4. If you are with a friend, ask for support – to listen without interruption or judgment. Ask for validation of your feelings. If not with a friend, reach out by text, email, or phone to a trusted friend and ask for support.
5. Offer yourself an act of kindness – i.e., a positive affirmation, self-hug, a bubble bath at a later time, chamomile tea, a walk in nature, soothing music.
6. Write in your journal about the experience and steps you took to take care of yourself.
7. Draw images of the scenario and share with your therapist at a later time.

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