Stories trigger memories for abuse victims

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Noelle Rose Andressen was raped by her grandfather as a toddler. As an adult, she thought she’d successfully dealt with the trauma, having gone through years of therapy. A professional dancer, she even choreographed a performance about sexual abuse to process her feelings.

But when sexual assault and harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein exploded in October, followed by the barrage of claims against powerful men, Andressen became overwhelmed. The old feelings of fear, shame and anger resurfaced — especially when she watched news or read the endless stories on social media.

“I had to deactivate my personal Facebook account for a little while,” said Andressen, who splits her time between New York and Los Angeles. “I love everybody but I need my space.”

Since the Weinstein allegations, dozens of men have been publicly accused of sexual abuse and harassment. For women who have been raped, abused and harassed, each day is a fresh hell, as unnerving headlines and stories seep into daily life.

“Retraumatizing is kind of the only word that really fits,” said Samantha Field, 30, a writer who has been assaulted by five different men. “It’s difficult watching all of this.”

The Maryland woman has penned articles for online publications on the effects of sexual harassment and assault. Writing about the violence against women is her protective layer, but the past few weeks have ratcheted up her stress level.

“I’ve spent the last couple of years making progress, seeing a therapist, making a lot of steps forward. It’s a struggle not to let yourself despair,” she said.

It’s common for people to feel powerful emotions because of the avalanche of news, said Shari Botwin, a licensed clinical social worker in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

“People are very triggered, whether in a good way or in a negative way,” she said. “People are having more flashbacks, getting more depressed, they end up reliving it. For some, it’s a good thing, it motivates them to get help. For others, they’re staying quiet.”