World Trauma Day

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How social media can affect trauma recovery

World Trauma Day is an opportunity to recognise the impact trauma can have on a person’s life and the importance of support and understanding throughout their recovery. For survivors of sexual violence, trauma can affect how they feel, think and respond long after the experience itself.

How can social media affect trauma recovery?

Social media can be a place to connect with others, find information and feel less alone. For survivors of sexual violence, however, what we see online can sometimes bring up difficult feelings, memories or emotions.

Posts about sexual violence, graphic content, victim-blaming or other people’s experiences can feel overwhelming. Even when you are not actively looking for this content, it can appear unexpectedly while scrolling. A video, comment, image or personal story may remind you of something you have experienced or make you feel as though you are reliving parts of your trauma.

Social media can also create pressure to compare your healing journey with someone else’s. Seeing other survivors talk openly about their experiences or recovery can be comforting for some people, while for others it may bring up feelings of sadness, anger, guilt or the sense that they are not healing “quickly enough.”

It is important to remember that there is no right way or timeline for recovering from trauma. You are allowed to take control of what you see online. You can mute or unfollow accounts, use content warnings where available, limit your time on social media or step away completely when you need to. You can also choose when and how you engage with conversations about sexual violence. Protecting your wellbeing is not avoiding your healing, sometimes, it is part of it.

If something you see online brings up difficult feelings, remember that you don’t have to navigate them alone.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English:021 447 9762

isiXhosa:021 361 9085

Afrikaans:021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays):083 222 5164

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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Can reading about someone else’s trauma affect you?

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Understanding vicarious trauma online

We spend so much of our time online. We scroll through posts, read news stories, watch videos and come across personal accounts of people sharing some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

When we repeatedly encounter stories and content about sexual violence, especially when we deeply empathise with the people sharing those experiences, it can affect us too.

This is where vicarious trauma can come in.

Vicarious trauma refers to the emotional impact that can come from being exposed to someone else’s trauma and suffering. While it is often discussed in relation to people who work closely with survivors, such as counsellors and support workers, repeated exposure to traumatic stories online can also leave us feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

Research into secondary traumatic stress, a related concept, has found that people can experience trauma-related emotional responses after being exposed to the traumatic experiences of others. More recent research has also found links between exposure to traumatic information on social media and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress.

You might notice that you feel sad, anxious, angry, helpless or emotionally drained after spending time with difficult content. You may find yourself thinking about someone’s story long after you have put your phone down, or feeling more fearful about your own safety or the safety of people you care about.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t care. Caring deeply about what happens to others is human. But caring for others also means recognising when you need to care for yourself.

If you notice that sexual violence content is beginning to affect your emotional wellbeing, it is okay to step away, take a break from your feed, mute or unfollow accounts, and give yourself time to process what you have seen.

You don’t have to consume every story to show that you care. Protecting your own wellbeing doesn’t mean you care any less about survivors.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English: 021 447 9762

isiXhosa: 021 361 9085

Afrikaans: 021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays): 083 222 5164

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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Annual Report 2026

 

Download PDF

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Image-Based Sexual Violence

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When people hear the term “revenge porn,” they often think of a former partner sharing intimate images after a relationship has ended.

While this is one form of violence, the term does not capture the full reality of image-based sexual violence or the many ways people can experience sexual violence through digital spaces.

Image-based sexual violence involves the creation, sharing, distribution, or threat to share intimate images or recordings without a person’s consent.

It can also include situations where someone is pressured, manipulated, or coerced into sharing intimate images in the first place.

Importantly, this form of sexual violence is not limited to images that were originally shared consensually.

It can include intimate images taken without a person’s knowledge, recordings made without consent, threats to distribute private content, or digitally altered or AI-generated sexual images that depict a person without their permission.

At its core, image-based sexual violence is a violation of consent, privacy, dignity, and bodily autonomy.

The impact on survivors can be profound. Many experience fear, shame, anxiety, humiliation, and ongoing distress.

Unlike some other forms of violence, the impact can feel continuous, especially when images are shared repeatedly or when there is uncertainty about where they may appear next.

Survivors may also experience victim blaming, with harmful questions such as “Why did you take the photo?” or “Why did you send it?” These responses shift responsibility away from the person who chose to cause violence.

The responsibility always lies with the person who created, shared, threatened, or distributed the content without consent.

In South Africa, the unlawful distribution of intimate images without consent is recognised as a criminal offence under the Cybercrimes Act, reflecting the seriousness of this form of sexual violence.

As technology evolves, so too must our understanding of sexual violence. Image-based sexual violence is not a “digital mistake” or a private matter. It is a serious violation with emotional, psychological, social, and legal consequences.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English (021 447 9762)

isiXhosa (021 361 9085)

Afrikaans (021 633 9229)

WhatsApp line (083 222 5164, weekdays)

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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Understanding Victim Blaming

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Victim blaming happens when attention is shifted away from the person who caused violence and placed instead on the survivor of sexual violence. It is one of the most common and deeply embedded responses to sexual violence, often so normalised that it becomes almost invisible in everyday life.

It rarely appears in obvious or direct ways. More often, it is found in the language people use, the assumptions they make, and the way they respond to disclosures. It can come from shock, curiosity, discomfort, or a desire to understand what happened, but the impact remains harmful.

Instead of focusing on the person responsible for the harm, conversations often turn toward the survivor’s actions, choices, or behaviour. Whether it is questioning why someone did not report immediately, what they were wearing, where they were, or how they responded, the effect is the same, responsibility is subtly shifted away from the perpetrator.

Because these ideas are so deeply embedded in society, they are often repeated without reflection. They can appear in conversations with friends and family, in community responses, and even within systems meant to offer care and protection. In these moments, survivors may find themselves met with doubt or judgement at the very point they need support most.

The impact can be profound. Survivors may experience shame, self-blame, confusion, fear, or a deep sense of isolation. Many begin to question whether they will be believed or whether speaking out will only lead to further harm. For some, this becomes a barrier to seeking help at all.

Sexual violence is never caused by what someone was wearing, where they were, who they trusted, or how quickly they responded afterwards. The responsibility always lies with the person who chose to cause harm.

Recognising victim blaming means noticing how easily it surfaces in everyday conversations and choosing to respond differently. Instead of questioning survivors, we listen. Instead of searching for fault, we offer belief, care, and support.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English: 021 447 9762

isiXhosa: 021 361 9085

Afrikaans: 021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays): 083 222 5164

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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The Impact of Sexual Violence on Sleep and Memory

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The impact of sexual violence often reaches far beyond the moment it occurred. Its impact can reach into many aspects of a survivor’s life, including how they sleep, how they remember events, and how they navigate everyday tasks such as work, studying, and relationships.

One of the most common misconceptions about trauma is that people remember traumatic experiences in the same way they remember ordinary events. In reality, trauma can affect how memories are stored and recalled.

During a traumatic experience, the brain’s primary focus is survival. Rather than processing events in a clear, chronological sequence, the brain may store fragments of information, such as sounds, images, sensations, emotions, or specific moments that felt particularly significant or threatening.

As a result, survivors may remember some details vividly while struggling to recall others. They may remember events out of order, have gaps in their memory, or recall additional details over time.

This is why inconsistencies in a survivor’s account do not automatically mean they are lying. Fragmented memories are a well-documented response to trauma and are often a reflection of how the brain responds to overwhelming experiences.

Trauma can also have a profound impact on sleep. Many survivors experience nightmares, difficulty falling asleep, interrupted sleep, or periods of hypervigilance where their bodies remain on high alert even when they are physically safe.

For some, sleep may feel unsafe because nightmares or intrusive memories bring them back to aspects of the trauma.

When sleep is disrupted over time, it can affect concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and overall wellbeing. Survivors may find it difficult to focus at work, keep up with studies, remember information, complete everyday tasks, or feel present in conversations. These challenges are not signs of weakness or failure. They are often part of the body’s response to trauma.

Healing does not happen overnight, and there is no “correct” way to remember or respond to trauma. Recovery can involve learning to feel safe again, rebuilding trust in one’s body, improving sleep, and developing ways to manage distressing memories when they arise.

Understanding the impact of trauma on sleep and memory helps us move away from harmful assumptions and towards greater compassion for survivors. When we recognise these responses as common effects of trauma, we create more informed, supportive, and survivor-centered communities.

If you or someone you know needs support, we offer free and confidential counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English: 021 447 9762

isiXhosa: 021 361 9085

Afrikaans: 021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays): 083 222 5164

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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Mandela Day Justice Pack Drive

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Rape Crisis invites you to join us for our Mandela Day Justice Pack Drive taking place on Friday, 17 July 2026 from 10:00 to 14:00 at the 2U office (358 Victoria Road, Salt River), where we will be assembling Justice Packs for survivors and their supporters accessing our court support services.

This marks the second year that we are hosting our Mandela Day drive at the 2U office in Salt River. We are deeply grateful to the 2U team for once again opening their doors and partnering with us in support of survivors and their supporters during their court journeys.

What are Justice Packs?

Justice Packs are provided to survivors and their supporters when they access courts where Rape Crisis offers court support services. Court processes can be emotionally and physically exhausting, often involving long waiting periods and moments where survivors may be required to revisit traumatic experiences.

These packs are a small but meaningful form of support during that process. They include snacks, refreshments, and essential items that help provide comfort, dignity, and care throughout long and often difficult days at court.

How you can get involved

There are three ways to support the Justice Pack Drive:

  • Join us at the 2U office (358 Victoria Road, Salt River) to help assemble Justice Packs alongside our team and community supporters
  • Donate funds to help us purchase Justice Pack items
  • Arrange a drop-off of in-kind donations at our Observatory office (23 Trill Road)

Justice Pack items

Essential items:
Cup noodles, biscuits/snacks, juice boxes or water, utensils, small tissue packs, serviettes, sanitary towels

Additional items:
Wet wipes or antibacterial wipes, hand sanitiser (small bottles), energy bars, and small treats such as sweets or chocolate

Banking details for donations

Account name: Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch: Rondebosch
Branch code: 025009
Account number: 073600911
Type: Savings Account
SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
IBAN: 051001

Please use your name, surname, and “Mandela Day” as your reference.

Mandela Day is about more than giving. It is about showing up in meaningful ways and standing alongside survivors as they navigate their path to justice. Every contribution helps us provide Justice Packs that offer care, comfort, and dignity to survivors and their supporters during court proceedings.

For any queries, please contact jameelah@rapecrisis.org.za

We look forward to seeing you at the Justice Pack Drive.

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Grounding Ourselves in Unity, Growth, Healing and Purpose

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On 23 May 2026, Rape Crisis staff and volunteers gathered at our Athlone office for our General Meeting – a space dedicated not only to reflection and connection, but also to strengthening the values that continue to guide our work.

This year, external facilitators joined us to lead a series of interactive activities and discussions designed to help staff and volunteers engage more deeply with one another, reflect on the work we do and reconnect with the purpose that brings us together as an organisation.

Throughout the day, the activities centered around our core values of Unity, Growth, Healing and Purpose. These values shape how we work with survivors, how we support one another as colleagues and how we continue responding to sexual violence in our communities with care and commitment.

The day created space for reflection and team connection. It was an opportunity to pause and recognise the importance of building supportive relationships within the organisation itself.

We also took time to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of our staff and volunteers through long service awards. These certificates recognised the years of commitment, care and labour that so many continue to invest into supporting survivors and strengthening communities.

Moments like these remind us that the work of Rape Crisis is carried collectively. Behind every programme, workshop, counselling session, court support process and advocacy effort are people who continue showing up with compassion, resilience and a shared commitment to supporting survivors.

As we continue our work, we remain grounded in the values that shape who we are and guide how we move forward together.

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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What is Vicarious Trauma?

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Understanding the Emotional Impact of Supporting Survivors

Vicarious trauma is not always something people talk about openly, yet it is deeply present in spaces where care, support, and empathy are at the center of the work. It is the emotional and psychological impact that comes from hearing, witnessing, or holding the trauma of others.

Unlike trauma that comes from direct experience, vicarious trauma happens indirectly. It develops over time, often through repeated exposure to the stories, emotions, and realities of people who have experienced violence.

It is sometimes described as “the cost of caring” because it is rooted in empathy. The same ability that allows someone to support survivors with compassion can also make them more vulnerable to absorbing the emotional weight of those experiences.

Vicarious trauma does not only affect professionals like counsellors, social workers, or first responders. It can also affect anyone who supports a survivor, including friends, family members, or community members who are present when someone shares their experience.

Over time, this exposure can begin to shift how a person feels, thinks, and moves through the world. People experiencing vicarious trauma may feel emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted, or numb. They may struggle with intrusive thoughts, difficulty sleeping, or a sense of hopelessness.

In some cases, it can even begin to affect how someone sees themselves, others, and the world around them. This is because trauma, even when experienced indirectly, has the power to reshape a person’s sense of safety, trust, and meaning.

Research has shown that this is not uncommon. In one study, a large number of social service workers reported experiencing vicarious trauma as a result of their work, highlighting how widespread and often unspoken this experience is.

It is important to understand that vicarious trauma is not a sign of weakness. It is a human response to repeated exposure to pain, injustice, and violence. It reflects care, empathy, and the willingness to stand alongside others in difficult moments.

At the same time, it reminds us that supporting others can carry its own emotional weight. Those who hold space for survivors also need spaces where they can process, reflect, and be supported themselves.

At Rape Crisis, this understanding is central to how we work. Supporting survivors requires not only care for those who come to us, but also care for the people doing the work every day. Creating safe, supportive, and reflective spaces for staff and volunteers is part of ensuring that survivors continue to receive consistent, compassionate, and survivor-centered care.

Vicarious trauma also speaks to something bigger. It reminds us that sexual violence does not only affect individuals. Its impact extends into families, communities, and the systems that respond to it. When we begin to understand this, we also begin to understand why collective care, awareness, and responsibility matter.

If you are supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence, it is important to remember that you do not have to carry that weight alone. Reaching out, setting boundaries, and seeking support are all part of sustaining care, both for yourself and for others.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English: 021 447 9762

isiXhosa: 021 361 9085

Afrikaans: 021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays): 083 222 5164

 

Written by

Jameelah Ebrahim

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Dear Survivor

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As a counsellor, I sit with survivors every day. One of the first things I want you to know is that what happened to you was not your fault.

There is no right or wrong way to feel after sexual violence. You might feel angry, confused, numb, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you’re feeling at all. All of this is valid.

In counselling, I often see how difficult it can be to talk about what happened. And sometimes, it’s just as difficult to find the words. Both are okay.

Healing doesn’t follow a straight path, and it doesn’t happen at the same pace for everyone. You are allowed to take things one step at a time, in a way that feels right for you.

You deserve to be treated with care, respect, and dignity. And you deserve support that listens to you and respects your choices.

If you’re not sure about reaching out, that’s okay too. Support will be here whenever you feel ready.

 

With care,

Masibulele

Rape Crisis Counselling Coordinator

 

Support is available whenever you choose to reach out. Rape Crisis offers free, confidential counselling support to survivors of sexual violence.

If you can’t speak to anyone, speak to us:

English: 021 447 9762

isiXhosa: 021 361 9085

Afrikaans: 021 633 9229

WhatsApp (weekdays): 083 222 5164

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Send us an email

Email: communications@rapecrisis.org.za
Complaints: complaints@rapecrisis.org.za

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