By engaging in this work, you are making a difference in someone’s life, your community, and society as a whole.
People can and do grow from working with survivors of sexual violence.
We can become more compassionate, conscious of our own values, aware of injustice, and motivated to create change.
Witnessing people’s trauma can also be heart-wrenching and result in distress.
So, as people who support survivors of sexual violence, it is important to discuss how we care for ourselves and each other.
Self-care is critical for our survival, well-being, and growth.
So is community.
It is also vital that we recognize, understand and address the signs of distress; how it impacts our body and mind, as well as our behaviours and relationships.
As support people we need to take care of ourselves in order to care for others.