Question 1

What Are Red Flags to Look for When Dating Online?

Accepted Answer

Online dating is unique in what makes it fun. But it has its own red flags to be aware of. Protect your emotional safety and mental health. If someone online:
-Asks for Money
-Immediately Says “I Love You” or Overwhelms with Flattery and Promises
-Refuses to Send Pictures 
-Warns You About Their Personality
-Pressures You to Have Sex or Send Explicit Pics or Messages
-Gets Angry When You Don’t Respond/Say No
Stop engaging with that person to protect your well-being.

Question 2

Can You Get PTSD From an Abusive Relationship?

Accepted Answer

Before you leave an abusive relationship, remember:
Have a safety plan in place that includes people you trust and places where you’re protected. 
It may not feel safe to confront or discuss things with your partner directly, and that’s okay. 
Taking steps to distance yourself first is critical to staying safe. 
Following through with your plans will feel very difficult, but leaving a toxic relationship and finding healing is possible. 
If you’re having PTSD symptoms while planning to leave or after leaving,  help is available.

Question 3

One Yes, Two Yes, Three Yes, No

Accepted Answer

No matter how many times you’ve said “yes” to sex, touching, or physical intimacy in the past, you have the absolute right to say “no” next time. Whether you say “yes” or “no” is up to you, and in a healthy relationship, consent will always be a priority. 

You have the right to say “yes” or “no” according to your feelings, and so does your partner. Practice honest communication with your partner so that you are both aware of each other’s actual desires.

Question 4

Sexual Assault: A Rape Survivor&#8217;s Story

Accepted Answer

It is normal to feel many things after being raped, but there is hope. With emotional support, and appropriate medical and psychological treatment, people recovering from sexual assault can regain feelings of joy and can lead happy and healthy lives. It is possible to take your life back and you can walk in truth and freedom to fulfill your dreams and destiny." Read Sarah's story of survival and healing.

Question 5

Bible Verses About God Accepting Everyone

Accepted Answer

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Have you ever thought, "God could never love me. I've messed up too bad. My sins are too big. I am too ashamed. I am too broken." But God says throughout the Bible that He welcomes everyone who comes to Him. The Bible is full of verses that talk about God accepting everyone.

Question 6

Don&#8217;t Lose Hope In Tough Times. There Is More.

Accepted Answer

When you're losing hope, it's not always helpful to have someone tell you what to do or explain where you went wrong. You need someone to listen, to be there for you, and to remind you that you were created for a purpose. I rediscovered my sense of hope in a dark time by talking with a HopeCoach.

Question 7

Toxic Relationships: What Is Gaslighting?

Accepted Answer

Emotional abuse occurs when someone uses emotions to control or hurt you. Some of the most common “tools” used by emotionally abusive people are manipulation, shaming, and deceit. If you’re with someone who constantly twists your words to make everything seem like your fault, or who shames you or speaks cruelly to you, it’s time to get help.  "Gas-lighting" is a term that describes an emotionally abusive relationship. If you are questioning your situation, learn more about the warning signs.  Please know: emotional abuse is never your fault, and you can break free!

Question 8

What Should I Do After A Friend Tried to Rape Me?

Accepted Answer

If you've been raped or sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline: RAINN.org. It may be tempting to not get help or move forward without reporting it. It's traumatic, especially when someone you trust commited such a horrendous act against you. But sharing the truth will get you the help you need and could protect others. We suggest counseling and reporting what happened to the police as soon as possible.

Question 9

Bible Verses for Sexual Assault Victims &#038; Survivors

Accepted Answer

"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you." (Psalm 9:9-10) If you've been sexually assaulted, you are not alone, God is always with you, and there are many Bible verses that can encourage you and help you heal.

Question 10

3 Steps to Escape an Abusive Relationship

Accepted Answer

1. Get support. If you don't think you have anyone to talk to, please chat with TheHopeLine. 
2. Make a Safety Plan: Include an escape route, let neighbors know to call the cops if they hear yelling, and set aside money.
3. Internet Safety: Make internet and phone use as safe and secure as possible. Don't use a platform unless it is absolutely necessary.

Question 11

Coping with Sexual Abuse

Accepted Answer

You need to know sexual abuse is never your fault and is never okay. You should never be made to keep secrets that make you uncomfortable. Please find someone who you trust to talk to about what’s going on in your life. It may be a pastor, school counselor, therapist, or doctor. But you must find some place to get help as soon as you possibly can.

Question 12

Abusive Dating Relationships: Abuse is NOT Love

Accepted Answer

"If the person you're dating is:

- Causing you physical, emotional, spiritual, or sexual harm
- Forcing themselves on you or forcing you to have sex
- Manipulating you
- Going back and forth between showering affection on you and being cruel to you
- Blaming you for everything, including the harm that happens to you

These are warning signs that it's time to break free and get help."

Question 13

PTSD: What Is It and Do I Have It?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of PTSD can include sudden increase in heart rate, rapid breathing or difficulty catching your breath, fear, panic, despair, and anxiety, with changes in mood happening suddenly after a stress trigger. The most common and pronounced symptom of PTSD is flashbacks, which make you feel like you’re reliving a harmful or traumatic experience. The good news is that there are plenty of effective treatments for PTSD that your doctor and therapist can recommend.

Question 14

Sexual Assault: 15 Tips to Protect Yourself

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, people make cruel choices, and sexual assault happens to men and women who did nothing wrong. But by trusting your instincts, communicating clearly with friends about your plans, and making a plan to get to and from where you're going safely with someone you trust, you are more likely to prevent incidents of sexual assault. Get more help and support from TheHopeLine.

Are you concerned about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Learn more about it by downloading your free eBook.

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