Military Male Survivor Speaks Out – Part One

Coming forward about rape or sexual assault is never easy for a survivor to do after it has happened to them, and most cases that do or we hear of are generally females. It is not just because males are less likely to be attacked, but for a male survivor to come forward it seems to be proven more difficult. However, thanks to James Landrith who was an active Military duty U.S Marine, he uses his voice to encourage other male survivors to come forward to come forward a give hope to others.  James openly expresses how the phenomenal organization named RAINN (Rape, Abuse. Incest, National Network) helped his journey to healing and how even being a survivor from a few years, can still bring up bad memories but by using techniques he has learned through professional advice, he knows how to overcome those feelings.

I was drugged and raped by a woman who bought me a few drinks.  She used blackmail and coercion to ensure my compliance once the effects of the drugged drinks wore off.  I was an active duty U.S. Marine and she was a local civilian.  Dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence takes on a different form daily.  I never know when or if I will be triggered or by what. – James Landrith

Unfortunately after being sexually victimized like James has been, survivors struggle to live each day without feeling the urge of suppressed feelings and thoughts about what happened to them. To many survivors just like James, this can cause an unexpected panic and stress attack that alarms/triggers the survivor to the feeling of being unsafe.

I never know when or if I will be triggered or by what.  As I type this now, I have been fighting a week long panic attack and I am unsure of its source.  Some days, I don’t even think about it and go on about my business unhindered.  However, on other days, it is at the front of my mind and I find myself checking for exits in any room I enter or elevator I ride. – James Landrith

These feelings can raise so much stress on their body both physically and mentally because their mind goes back to when their encounter was/took place and struggle to come back to reality. However, with an organization as helpful as RAINN is to survivors, they are there to teach and provide information on how to prevent and decrease these types of symptoms as they arise.

Re-Experiencing: This is a repeated reliving of the event, and interferes with daily activity. This category includes flashbacks, frightening thoughts, recurrent memories or dreams, and physical reactions to situations that remind you of the event. – RAINN

Many people when they are in a public atmosphere or are surrounded by a crowd of people can suffer from both anxiety or panic attacks but to those who have been sexually assaulted or have been raped, the chances are significantly higher.  It is sometimes hard to see straight away when you suffer with these (PTSD symptoms) as a survivor but to properly heal and gain back control of your life the support from others is essential.  Having support from an organization like RAINN and other survivors like James, can not only help with the healing process but they can also help provide an understanding on what you (as a survivor) are going through and that all the horrible feelings you may be feeling are normal but as times goes by it will get better.

There are many programs and organizations available to assist survivors.  You can find local centers in your phonebook, or go online to RAINN.org and filter down to a local center.  Also, many local governments offer crisis services.  When a survivor decides to come forward, even if it is DECADES after the abuse, they may be in crisis mode.  When I first decided to confront my own experiences, it felt like it had just happened and I was extremely raw.  It might as well have just happened.  I was clearly in crisis mode and found some via the local county mental health services. – James Landrith

When you are at the stage of talking to a professional therapist about your sexual assault or rape, you may feel overwhelmed as that is a normal feeling to have, but if you do not feel comfortable with the person you are talking with then find someone you do feel comfortable talk with. It is essential to always feel safe and comfortable when talking to a professional so it is okay to keep looking for the right person but whatever you do, do not give up on yourself because like what James and other survivors discovered, healing is an individual process and everyone heals in different ways with different people, on their own journey.

One thing to remember is that a survivor owns their healing and they have the right to turn change therapists or counsellors if they do not feel comfortable or validated.  Not every survivor/counsellor pairing is going to be successful.  This does not make you a failure at healing; it just means you haven’t found the right partner.  Keep trying! – James Landrith

Coming Up Next: Part Two of this article will be based on Private Practice the February 2, 2012 Storyline in relation to James Landriths interview we did with him on his own personal survivor story.

Male Survivor Speaks Out After Private Practice Military Survivor Episode – Part Two

Please Note:  The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a groundbreaking crisis support service for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one advice, support, and information to the worldwide DoD community. The service is anonymous, secure, and available 24/7 — providing victims with the help they need, anytime, anywhere. – RAINN