Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault
Trauma doesn’t always announce itself in obvious ways. But left untreated, its scars can leave a deep impact. Amudim is not here to pressure anyone to get help before they are ready. But if and when the time is right, we will try our best to be there at every step of the journey.
David*, a 24 year-old man, initially reached out to Amudim with a legal inquiry. He related details about a sexual assault that had occurred four years earlier, noting that he was considering taking legal action and seeking guidance. He said that he was not asking for emotional assistance-only information. Our case manager clarified that while she couldn’t give legal counsel, she could offer support, provide appropriate referrals, and serve as a safe and nonjudgmental space for David to explore his options.
David eventually disclosed that he had never gone to therapy to process the trauma or the events that took place. Our case manager gently introduced the idea of beginning therapy, emphasizing that this could be beneficial alongside any legal steps David might choose to pursue. At first, he was hesitant. David expressed doubts about whether he could trust someone enough to open up. He was worried that he wouldn’t know what to say. That he wouldn’t be believed. That dredging up painful memories would only make things worse. He questioned whether therapy would even help someone like him, someone who had learned to function while carrying so much pain.
David’s case manager didn’t push. They spoke over time, discussing David’s questions and concerns. They talked about what therapy could be-an empowering tool, a place to unpack what’s too heavy to hold alone, a process shaped entirely around his pace.
Ultimately, David decided to give therapy a try, and he recently completed his fourth session. David shared that while it’s still difficult, it’s the first time in years that he’s felt like he’s moving forward, not just coping, but confronting and beginning to heal.
David isn’t sure yet about pursuing legal action. But he has discovered something even more powerful: the ability to reclaim his voice.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Amudim is a phone call away and here to help.
*Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
Each week, Amudim fields calls covering a wide range of crises and addressing various human concerns, including addiction, depression, abuse, health and domestic emergencies and many others. We track the calls and breakdown of issues for many reasons, foremost of which is to consistently improve and strengthen our knowledge and ability to address community’s needs.
Have you ever felt like the world around you was falling apart — and all you could do was survive?
That’s Parshas Noach. It’s not only about a flood; it’s about the silence that follows. The moment when survival ends and rebuilding begins.
As Rav Soloveitchik Z"L taught, man is not only the being who asks why - but the being who rebuilds, even when the answer doesn’t come.
For anyone who’s lived through trauma, loss, or heartbreak: you’re not behind. You’re rebuilding in the silence - and that’s holy work.