Dear Jennifer:

Too bad the hospital’s administration, staff reacted against you, the one assaulted. I wish they were all supportive to you, that would have helped a whole lot.

You suffered from anxiety, ongoing fear before the events in the hospital. The months of harassment culminating in the sexual assault of 2016 were very tough on you, understandably. Then taking legal action, court, the reactions against you at the hospital, those have been so very tough on you.

Any psychotherapy before all these events, during and currently?

anita

Hi Jennifer,

I was also sexually assaulted at work, years ago–I know how you feel. The fact that you even reported it is HUGE. It’s sad that your hospital didn’t support you, but I’m not surprised. I’m assuming he was at a higher level than you were  at the time of the assault, which may account for that. In my experience, HR looks out for management and will always try to shame the woman and question her. I think that’s changing now with the MeToo movement, but it will take awhile.

I wish I had something to say about the trauma, that it will go away. But it won’t without you seeking help. And it doesn’t have to be therapy if you don’t want it right now. It can be long walks, meditation, perhaps religion, just something for you to start reprogramming your mind and help you handle the flashbacks when they come up. (meditation can be really useful for that)  Then if it’s time for therapy, it’ll be time….

I’m really sorry this happened to you. I know it’s hard. But you sound like a really strong person. Good for you he’s out of a job. But it sounds like your hospital broke your trust by not supporting you at all. When I was assaulted, I reported it and was retaliated against and ultimately quit.  Now this was almost ten years ago, but from reading your story I feel like companies still have a WAYS to go in terms of supporting employees who have been assaulted.

But you don’t have time to wait around, you know? Perhaps when you’re in a better space, it might be a good idea to start looking for another job somewhere else. And don’t worry about him–he already lost. Take care of yourself now. Whatever makes you feel like you can breathe easily again, stick with that. Whatever it is.

Sending you good vibes,

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