I’ve been struggling with the content of the daily news and social media recently and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Sexual assault and abuse in the national headlines has been relentless and it seems that the least I can do is not turn away from the truths that are being revealed but to acknowledge them and hold space for survivors.
Amid this I am concerned for those of you who have experienced sexual assault or abuse and how you are processing the headlines. Are they bringing up old pain and suppressed emotion? Do you have trauma in your personal history that is surfacing in your current relationships and behavior? I would like you to be safe and find a path to healing and wholeness.
Please take the opportunity offered during this time, which is to strengthen our resilience by seeking the help to heal. Here are a few available resources:
- Sex Abuse Treatment Center’s 24-hour hotline for adults, teens, and all genders: (808)524-7273
- Domestic Violence Action Center (808)531-3771 Oahu, (800)690-6200 Neighbor Islands
- Mental Health America’s online mental health screening program: https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/screening-tools?ref=MHAHI
- Crisis Line of Hawaii: (808)832-3100 Oahu, (800)753-6879 Neighbor Islands
- Crisis Text Line: 741741
Individual psychotherapy can also be very helpful and we can connect you with non-profit organizations that offer counseling. Contact us at (808)521-1846 on Oahu or (808)242-6461 on Maui and at info@mentalhealthhawaii.org. We are here for you.
With You,
Trisha M. Kajimura, MPH
Executive Director