My girlfriend and I have been dating for 3 months now and she recently decided to open up to me about her sexual assault. It had happened years ago but she only recently decided to take it to the police. With the trial coming up soon she grew very distant to the point where she asked for us to have a “break”. The entire assualt situation makes me feel sick to the stomach to think about and Im ashamed at myself for feeling that way. I try my best to support her but the truth is Im not at-all prepared to deal with something like this and I just feel like everything I say is pushing her away.
How do I give her the space and support she needs?
2 comments
Why do you feel sick to your stomach? Definitely be supportive even if you don’t wanna date her anymore. That’s extremely stressful and having to relive it in court is very triggering, understandably. If you can get over yourself I’m sure she will relax a bit more when the trials over.
Just tell her that you are there if she needs you. Might be better done in writing.
And once everyday, preferably at the same time, message her to ask if she is OK. But don’t or expect a reply back.
If you are closeby to her place, then go check on her if she doesn’t respond for 3 days in a row. If she asks you to back off, respect her wishes.