Getting Through Halloween For Survivors
Every survivor is different, and for some survivors, Halloween may just be another holiday, but for others, it may be emotionally activating for a number of reasons. Why might Halloween be difficult for survivors of sexual and domestic violence?
Fear-Focused
Scary movies and halloween mazes focus on making fear into a thrill. Despite this, fear can still be activating for survivors and put them in high alert. Survivors often have higher startle responses, and the feeling of being afraid can activate difficult emotions and memories.
Environmental Activators
Halloween visuals, such as blood, violence, fearful screams, and darkness are common emotional activators for abuse survivors.
Halloween Parties
Halloween parties are dark, loud, and crowded environments, typically involving alcohol, making them a place where sexual violence is more likely to occur.
Anonymity
Halloween costumes and masks can obscure what a person looks like, which can be unnerving for survivors.
Victim-Blaming
Survivors may be not believed or given certain labels because of how they dress on Halloween. Overall, there is more focus on clothing than any other holiday, which can be stressful for survivors.
Peer-Pressure
Survivors may feel pressured to go out with friends, to dress a certain way, or participate in certain activities.
Fear-of-Missing-Out
Survivors who do anticipate being activated by halloween may still subject themselves to the festivities because they don’t want to miss out on a special day.
Strangers
Not only can strangers hide behind a costume, the norms of answering the door to strangers are different on Halloween, which can make survivors feel unsafe.
Halloween Doesn’t Have To Be Scary: Other Ways To Spend The Holiday
Bake a Festive Treat
Add some pumpkin spice to your favorite cake recipe or decorate some spooky cookies. Some stores even sell kits to make your own gingerbread haunted mansion! Have some friends over and make it a party!
Carve Pumpkins
Carving pumpkins can be both a fun art project and a cool sensory experience! Sites like Pinterest are great places to get inspiration for your design.
Spooky Movies
Have a cozy night in and curl up with some fun Halloween movies. They don’t have to be scary movies, there are many movies that are just spooky and fun!
Pumpkin Patch
Visit a nearby patch and pick out your perfect fall pumpkin. you can decorate with them or use them to bake! Pumpkin patches often also have other fun fall activities.
Bonfire
Have a backyard bonfire with your partner, neighbors, or family! You can roast some marshmallows and make s’mores too.
DIY Costume
Even if you aren’t going out, it is fun to DIY a costume for some Instagram pictures or to make a funny Tik Tok. Combine your closet and craft supplies to create your favorite character!
Decorate
Decorate for the fall holidays, or if you can’t wait, decorate for the December holidays. Dollar stores are a good place to start for inexpensive and festive decor!
Apple Picking
Head to a nearby orchard and join in on the fun! They often have other activities and delicious snacks as well.
