What if (TW: attempted assault, harassment)
I wasn't assaulted but I was harassed by the same guy for quite a while. It started off more subtle n kinda gradually got worse until he did attempt to assault me. He didn't get that far because I was able to put a stop to it but it still scares me. I passed the place where it happened the other day and just felt tears in my eyes. Sometimes I tell myself it wasn't a big deal because he didn't even get that far but lately i find myself thinking about what would've happened if I wasn't able to stop it. I can't seem to get it out of my head. I still remember the shame I felt buttoning my jeans back after it had happened and how bad it felt when I got home. And I sometimes can feel it happending all over again. The weight of his hand, how he was trying not to be noticed by everyone else, how slow he was going, the terror I felt once my jeans were unbottoned. Sometimes I just get stuck in that and can feel it going farther. I just can't get it out of my mind because i know what his intentions are when he was doing it and his intentions were assault. He would've done it if I hadn't gotten my friends hand in the way. He went home upset afterwards because he couldn't have his way with me. All that just terrifies me.
@Globe1743
Hi there! You are definitely not overreacting or being too sensitive. This must have been a terrifying experience, and even though he didn't succeed, your feelings are completely valid. You deserve to treat yourself and your thoughts kindly, and we're here for you if you ever want to talk it out.
Of course, this doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it. You are strong, and I believe that you more than capable of recovering from this. On 7Cups, we have self help guides dedicated to helping you get through this:
Traumatic experiences self-help guide: https://www.7cups.com/traumatic-experience-help/
Alternatively, you can try connecting with a trained active listener to talk about how this has impacted you. This community is here to help you, and we're happy to support you in any way we can, so do let us know if there is any way we can help you.
Stay safe, take care, and have a peaceful day <3
@hopebeyondpain thank you. I'll definitely try the resources you recommended. And thank you for listening
