Catholic Social Teaching/ Themes

Life and Dignity of woman is degraded after facing sexual assault. When a woman becomes a victim, it changes their self reflection. It may take some time for the body and mind to fully understand the circumstances that have occurred, which means going through different motions of behaviors, emotions, and physical responses. Each survivor experiences different forms of loss in their life and dignity such as, poor health, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and trouble getting into relationships. Women's rights to life and dignity are deeply impacted after the assault occurs. 

In the Scripture of Genesis 2:18 it says, “It is not good for man to be alone.” The call to family, community, and participation is what God wants.  Community helps women be able to reach for assistance and to not feel ashamed by it. For example, women facing sexual assault are called to reach for help. All participating members of sexual assault are involved and all have the obligation to look for a restore in justice. Victims should be able to restore their justice, which is getting the clarity and forgiveness they deserve. When reaching out to a trusted adult, they can help better guide you to receive help. Though there are six other themes, this connects to sexual assault because without speaking up, restorative justice will not be served.