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Encountered molestation and can't seem to move on. What should I do in this situation?

Elevator predator Mental tension Distressing experience Bus harassment Embarrassment
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Encountered molestation and can't seem to move on. What should I do in this situation? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

About half a month ago, while riding an elevator, I encountered a predator. Luckily, someone helped me, preventing a serious incident. However, since the incident, my mental state has been quite tense, causing me to have trouble sleeping. The most painful part is taking the bus, as I have previously had a distressing experience of being groped through clothing. Now, when a male stands behind me a bit closer, I become scared, crossing my legs tightly, even involuntarily covering my lower body with my hands. It's quite embarrassing. What should I do in this situation? Thanks.

Penelope Castro Penelope Castro A total of 3447 people have been helped

In terms of instances of molestation or sexual harassment, there have been numerous reports in the news and the central case in this year's popular TV series, "The Beginning," in which Wang Mengmeng was sexually assaulted by an individual on a bus, and no one on the bus intervened or took action to stop the incident.

Subsequently, this incident resulted in a series of unfortunate events that impacted numerous individuals. Given the traumatic nature of the experience and the difficulty in recovering from it, it is understandable that people may perceive the world as unsafe and society as dangerous.

It appears that your personal safety, dignity, and reputation are at risk whenever you leave your residence. You previously encountered an individual who displayed inappropriate behavior in an elevator. While you were assisted by a passerby, you continue to experience post-traumatic stress as a result of the incident.

Even today, you still experience some nervousness, insomnia, and pain. You have previously been the victim of molestation on a bus. As a result of this experience, you do not trust men at all and hold them in low regard. Consequently, you believe that other men also have evil intentions.

Some individuals may believe that the victim is at fault for not adhering to certain dress standards. However, research indicates that those who dress in a more conservative manner are more likely to experience harassment. It is crucial to be mindful of this phenomenon and to take appropriate action if you encounter a perpetrator. You have the right to protect yourself through legitimate legal channels. Seeking counseling can be an effective way to address past trauma, rebuild inner strength, and learn effective coping strategies.

Please advise.

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Caleb Johnson Caleb Johnson A total of 2987 people have been helped

Dear Question Asker,

The experience of being molested is traumatic for any individual, particularly for a young girl. You have been subjected to this ordeal on two occasions. It is understandable that you are experiencing a range of intense emotions, including fear. It is important to recognize that fear is a natural human response, just like happiness and sadness. It is essential to identify strategies to manage these feelings effectively.

You indicate that you now involuntarily close your legs and cover your lower body with your hands whenever a man stands behind you. This response is a normal stress reaction. Your defensive state is designed to prevent you from encountering similar situations again, and it has a certain protective effect on you.

I believe this type of incident typically occurs when commuting to and from work, as this is when the majority of people are forced to take the bus. If you have to take the bus, you can choose a time period with few people to ensure that you have a seat to sit, and at the same time let friends, relatives, or female colleagues accompany you.

Furthermore, should this incident prevent you from carrying out your duties in the usual manner, you may request a few days' leave from your line manager and speak with a trusted individual (such as a parent, partner, or close friend) to process your emotions. If you do not have a suitable confidant in your immediate circle, you may wish to consider consulting a psychologist. A professional can provide guidance and support.

Once you have recovered, you should resume your normal working activities. You may also wish to consider joining a spontaneous rescue organization. There are numerous mutual aid groups on the Internet that can provide support, but it is important to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

In the event that you are unfortunate enough to encounter a perpetrator again, it is imperative that you scream for help. There is no reason to be afraid or feel embarrassed. The more courageous you act, the more people around you will be willing to assist. Given your experience of being helped by everyone in the elevator, it is reasonable to conclude that the majority of people in this world are good.

Best regards,

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Elliott Hughes Elliott Hughes A total of 8212 people have been helped

Comfort the hurt and confused you.

It's going to get hotter, so watch out! When you're alone in public, don't show your fear.

Sometimes, men with ulterior motives see right through your timid thoughts and become brazen.

Second, this advice might upset feminists. When taking public transportation or going to crowded places, it is okay to dress conservatively.

Go to a banquet or nightclub with a group of people to avoid harassment.

Third, be confident, outgoing, brave, and independent. If you act this way, people will respect you.

Fourth, carry self-defense tools. There are online videos and materials on how to deal with perverts.

I hope you'll come out of the shadows and be happy again. Good luck! Find a boyfriend who will protect you so you'll feel safe when you're away from home.

Pretentious young people (ID: qingnianJIA2020) looking to keep in touch.

Yi Xinli Answering Questions Hall Mutual Aid Community, World, and I Love You

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Isabella Marie Roberts Isabella Marie Roberts A total of 8590 people have been helped

Hello, landlord. I'm sorry you went through that. I hope my sharing helps.

You should resist the encounter. People are taken advantage of in this society. Some people shine when they get a little support.

If something bad happens, stand up for yourself.

You should have slapped that person in the elevator, taken a photo, and called the police.

Yell at the person, show them you're not to be messed with, then call the police.

Use the law to protect yourself. Call 110 when something bad happens.

As for the shadow in your heart, see a professional counselor. Or throw it away. Go outside and enjoy the scenery.

If something bad happens, protect yourself by using the law.

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Asher Carter Asher Carter A total of 6721 people have been helped

Hello! Your experience reminds me of when I was walking alone on a busy street. A middle-aged man with a black mask came towards me. Without any psychological defense, he exposed his genitals. I was very scared and felt a wave of nausea. I've learned that if you walk past him calmly, it will make him behave himself. People's dark sides are a bit bully-ish and they pick on the weak.

It's so important to understand this. When we're faced with someone being indecent, we can end up feeling really afraid and unsure of what to do. In a very stressful situation, we might find ourselves acting to protect ourselves when we encounter a similar situation, and we may also be on guard because we've been hurt. It's so helpful to understand why we're like this.

Since it has already happened, we may need to think of ways to deal with it in the future, apart from just wallowing in our emotions.

1. Just remember, if you seem calm, the other person will think twice before acting out of line. So, it's a good idea to work on your self-confidence.

2. It's so important to let go of past emotions so you can make room for new experiences! Try expressing yourself through art. For instance, you could try coloring and letting the colors speak to you. Black and red might be good for you. Or, if you're feeling angry, you could even write a letter to the person who's been treating you badly. It's amazing how much better you'll feel once you've released all that pent-up energy! There are so many ways to do this, and whatever works for you is great.

3. When we feel powerless, we can find ways to become empowered, such as seeking help from others. Having a sense of self-worth and respect that you deserve will affect your behavior.

If you feel less stressed and less afraid, you'll probably find you can handle these situations more easily in the future, too.

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Olivia Olivia A total of 7151 people have been helped

Good morning,

Dear Host, Thank you for your post. I empathize with your situation and want to offer some advice. Firstly, I would like to commend you for seeking help on this platform. It shows courage and a willingness to address your concerns. Secondly, I would like to suggest that you thank your emotions. This may seem counterintuitive, but it can be an effective way to relieve their intensity. Thirdly, I would like to suggest that you engage in a dialogue with your emotions. This involves acknowledging their presence and expressing gratitude for their role in your experience. I hope these suggestions are

My name is Zeng Chen, and I am a heart exploration coach on this platform. I have carefully read the post, and I can discern the fear and anxiety of the poster from the content.

Furthermore, I would like to acknowledge your courage in expressing your distress and seeking help on this platform. This will undoubtedly assist you in viewing the matter more rationally and making necessary adjustments.

I will now proceed to share my observations and thoughts on the matter, which I hope will assist you in viewing the situation from a different perspective.

1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings of fear.

From the information provided in the original post, it is evident that the host was subjected to an act of molestation. I empathize with your situation and express my sincerest condolences. Additionally, the host has been experiencing distress and insomnia as a result of this traumatic event. The most distressing aspect is the host's tendency to exhibit exaggerated reactions on public transportation, which has caused significant distress.

In light of the aforementioned, I empathize with your situation.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to engage in a dialogue with these emotions and express gratitude. This could potentially lead to a reduction in their intensity and an avoidance of shameful actions. How might we engage in such a dialogue?

Once we become aware of our emotions, we can imagine that they can express themselves and communicate with us. We can thank them for reminding us to protect ourselves.

Show gratitude for this demonstration of self-love. Having identified this signal, you have now observed the situation at hand. You will safeguard yourself effectively.

Frequently, such discussions result in emotional relief, which may prevent irrational behavior.

2. It is important to remember that the past is over.

What are the other ways to proceed? Once the initial emotional response has been addressed, it is important to remind oneself that the past is in the past, that the present is not a reflection of the past, that not all individuals are unscrupulous, and that not all individuals are predatory.

It is important to note that no individual in our immediate vicinity is causing us any direct harm.

It is therefore unnecessary to be overly nervous. It is sufficient to maintain an awareness of and remain alert to the people around us.

This approach allows us to protect ourselves effectively. It is crucial to use rational thinking to recognize that the current situation is not the same as past experiences.

It is therefore not necessarily the case that we have been hurt.

Frequently, employing this method allows individuals to disengage from feelings of victimization and analyze the situation with greater objectivity, enabling a more reasonable response.

3. Communicating feelings when we are hurt

It is important to understand why it is necessary to express your feelings when you are hurt. I believe that the original poster is aware that she has not yet come to terms with the incident.

How, then, do we move on from the things that hurt us? The answer is to face the issue head-on, acknowledging the emotions and feelings we experienced at the time.

It is essential to express and acknowledge these emotions and feelings.

It is only when these emotions are expressed in a reasonable manner that they will gradually dissipate and cease to affect us. It is essential to allow these emotions to flow freely, rather than suppressing them.

It is only when these emotions have been released that we can move on from the hurt and let go of ourselves, free from the influence of these emotions. This allows us to embrace a new life.

I hope these suggestions will be helpful and inspiring to the original poster. If you have any further questions or require additional support, please click to find a coach.

We are available to assist you in addressing these challenges.

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Gervase Clark Gervase Clark A total of 2906 people have been helped

Greetings, host. I am inquiring as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may inquire as to whether I may

After reading your description, I have a better understanding of the question you wish to pose. In addition, I extend to you a gesture of empathy and support.

From your account, it is evident that you have once again been let down by these men, despite your previous experiences. It is perplexing why such individuals resort to despicable tactics against those who are more vulnerable. Is it because women are often reluctant to confront such situations and perceive that being victimized is solely their own responsibility? Furthermore, when the initial actions of these men are not met with consequences, they tend to replicate their behavior towards the next victim. This perpetuates a vicious cycle, leaving individuals susceptible to repeated victimization.

In the context of societal issues, it is common for individuals to adopt a passive stance, particularly when they have not personally experienced the situation. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding. Additionally, such incidents tend to occur with regularity, and the general public often attributes blame to the victim, particularly when it comes to matters of clothing. However, this reasoning provides an excuse for the perpetrator and fails to recognize the victim's right to choose their own attire. It is, therefore, imperative to recognize that the responsibility for such actions lies with the perpetrator. Nevertheless, these incidents will persist, potentially leading to a sense of desensitization among the public. However, the underlying problem persists and requires a long-term solution.

Consequently, when a social problem can be resolved, it can only be left to time.

It is important to note that there is no inherent fault in oneself for this occurrence. The responsibility lies with the perpetrator, and therefore, self-blame is unwarranted. The incident has already transpired, and the resulting psychological distress is a consequence of that event. It is therefore essential to gradually diminish the impact of similar occurrences on one's life.

Nevertheless, as a party affected by such an incident, the psychological trauma may persist throughout one's lifetime. It manifests in the form of overprotection of similar scenarios. Due to underlying feelings of fear and apprehension, individuals tend to activate their defense mechanisms when confronted with comparable situations.

In this regard, I have also summarized some methods to assist you, with the hope of providing some degree of assistance.

(1) It is important to relax and avoid placing excessive pressure on oneself, as the events in question have already occurred. The objective is to mitigate the impact of these events on one's life.

(2) If there is an individual with whom one can discuss the matter, it is advisable to confide in that person rather than keeping the information to oneself.

(3) Engage in activities that align with your interests to provide a diversion from these issues.

(4) The passage of time is a powerful tool for healing. Many individuals have found success in this approach, as it allows for a gradual distance from the source of pain, ultimately enabling the continuation of one's life trajectory.

(5) It is recommended that you strengthen your inner self in a moderate way, as opposed to the approach you have previously employed. This will afford you greater protection and prevent those with malevolent intentions from causing you harm.

(6) Should one possess the requisite resources, one may seek the counsel of a qualified mental health professional. Such a professional would be able to assist the individual in understanding their current state of mind, the circumstances they are facing, and the most appropriate course of action to pursue.

The world and I extend our affectionate regard to you.

I extend my best wishes to you.

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Owen Baker Owen Baker A total of 8478 people have been helped

Hello, young lady. I see you're confused. I'm here for you.

I'm sorry for what happened to you on the bus. Please let me give you a hug.

I was almost sexually harassed on the subway in London.

I pretended to press the emergency button and I was fine.

After that, I felt nervous on the subway and my heart would race when a man was around.

My friend thought I needed help.

The teacher at school said that almost being molested had a big psychological impact on me. He suggested that I do at least one month of counseling.

I suggest you see the school psychologist because it's free.

If there's no school psychologist, you can also see a counselor.

Students get 50% off counseling on the platform. Just fill out a form and submit a school certificate.

You aren't to blame for being molested.

I hope you can resolve your problem soon.

These are all I can think of.

I hope my answers help and inspire you. I am the answer, and I study hard every day.

Yixinli loves you!

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Comments

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Seth Davis Time is a cycle, always repeating itself in different forms.

I can understand how scared and uncomfortable you must be feeling. It's important to acknowledge your feelings and know that it's okay to seek help. Perhaps talking to a therapist could provide some support and strategies to cope with these anxieties. Also, consider informing someone you trust about what you've been through, like a friend or family member, so they can offer you comfort and possibly accompany you in situations that make you feel unsafe.

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Isaac Thomas The power of diligence can move mountains and cross oceans.

It sounds like you've been through something truly distressing. To start feeling safer, you might want to look into selfdefense classes which can boost your confidence in protecting yourself. Additionally, when on public transport, if you ever feel uneasy around someone, don't hesitate to move to another part of the bus or ask for assistance from the driver or other passengers. Remember, prioritizing your safety is not something to be embarrassed about.

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Charlotte Sage Life is a garden, and your thoughts are the seeds.

Feeling tense and having trouble sleeping after such experiences is completely understandable. You're not alone in this. Many people have found comfort and relief by joining support groups where members share similar experiences. This can be a great way to exchange coping mechanisms and feel less isolated. Moreover, setting up a routine that promotes relaxation before bed, like listening to calming music or practicing mindfulness, might also help improve your sleep quality.

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