It Only Takes One

Arlington TX

19 October, 2021

7:18 PM

Description

By Ashley Elgin, Fort Worth Report October 19, 2021 Several members from Team USA Gymnastics testified in front of Congress recently to examine the FBI's failure to promptly address complaints made in 2015. Considered the largest sexual assault case in sports history, the USA Gymnastics scandal has been in the news several times over the past 6 years. Aly Raisman has spoken publicly about the abuse and its impact on her. Recently on The Daily Show, she said, "abuse isn't something that you just suffer in the moment. It can carry on with you for a really long time. And the way a survivor heals is linked to how their abuse is handled. The power of one adult supporting a survivor and doing the right thing is so important." As Aly so eloquently articulated, recovery from trauma is a process that often unfolds over a lifetime and can be dramatically impacted by disclosure experiences. In the immediate aftermath of trauma, survivors who are met with empowering, compassionate support tend to experience stabilization more readily in the subsequent days, months, and years. Negative reactions to sexual assault disclosures such as: blaming the victim, disbelief, minimization, or attempting to control the victim are related to depression, substance abuse, and more severe PTSD symptoms. The testimony and interviews of the gymnasts suggest the inaction of officials at every level allowed the assaults to go unchecked for several additional years. Unfortunately, this experience rings true for many who seek help and are met with resistance and disbelief. Even among well intentioned caregivers and providers, methods of questioning and lack of compassion leave survivors feeling judged, hurt, and unsupported. To read the full article, click here. Fort Worth Report is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that produces factual, in-depth journalism about city and county government, schools, healthcare, business, and arts and culture in Tarrant County. Always free to read; subscribe to newsletters, read coverage or support our newsroom at fortworthreport.org.