• Shock or denial: Some family members don’t know how to process the trauma and respond by withdrawing or overprotecting.
• Misplaced shame or fear: They might feel embarrassed, afraid for you, or unsure of how to act—sometimes blaming themselves or unconsciously blaming you.
• Changing expectations: They may impose restrictions or treat you differently in attempts to “protect” you, even if it’s hurtful.

Understanding that their behavior often comes from their own fear or ignorance, not from your worth, can help you separate their actions from your self-image.

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2. Acknowledge Your Feelings

• It’s normal to feel hurt, betrayed, angry, or lonely because of this change.
• Give yourself permission to grieve the support you expected but didn’t receive.

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3. Set Boundaries

• You have the right to decide what interactions are safe.
• Protect your emotional and physical space from comments or behaviors that feel harmful.
• This may mean limiting certain conversations or interactions until you feel stronger.

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4. Seek External Support

• Therapists or counselors who specialize in sexual trauma can help process not only the assault but also family responses.
• Support groups can provide the validation and understanding you may not be receiving at home.

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5. Rebuild Your Support Network

• Friends, mentors, or community members can help you feel seen, loved, and respected.
• Choose relationships where you are treated as a whole person, not defined by the trauma.

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6. Reclaim Your Narrative

• Remember: you are not “different” because of the assault—you were a whole, valuable person before, during, and after.
• Journaling, art, or storytelling can help affirm your identity beyond the trauma and beyond your family’s treatment.

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Families sometimes hurt us unintentionally even as they try to cope. Their reactions are about their fear and misunderstanding, not about your worth or femininity.