self-care

How do you support a teen as they recover from sexual assault?

Going away to school can present some new sexual challenges. Here’s a get-you-started guide to grow on.

Many women and girls feel insecure about sex, especially when it’s new. How can we build some sexual confidence?

Before I say anything else, I want to be sure to connect you with a couple of avenues for help because I am very concerned about the state you’re in right now. Clearly – and it’s really common for this to happen – seeing your rapist has triggered a lot for you and clearly, you are in a state of…

We talk a lot about sexual safety and safer sex here at Scarleteen in terms of your physical health. But what about checking in to see if sex is safe for you and yours emotionally? Taking care of your emotions, looking out for risk factors in advance – not just when they become an existing crisis – and safeguarding yourself, your partners and those around you from needless hurt and harm is just as important as doing what you can to prevent STIs and unwanted pregnancies.

If you have NOT gladly and freely consented to and participated in sexual activity – if you have not in some way said a big yes and wanted to keep saying a big yes – and someone else had sex with you anyway, that is rape. No matter what ANYONE tells you, it is not your fault. There certainly is fault, but it lies with the rapist, not the victim.