Sexual Abuse & Trauma
““1 in 5 girls is a victim of child sexual abuse. We offer a safe space where healing can take place. You do not have to suffer in silence with depression, anxiety, self-destructive behaviors, and unhealthy relationships. There is hope and healing from the trauma of sexual abuse.”
While each survivor is unique in their experience, many survivors are impacted in the following ways:
Shame
Survivors thinking they are bad, wrong, dirty, or permanently flawed.
Guilt
Survivors feeling that the abuse was their fault. It is very difficult for survivors to place the blame on the person who assaulted them. Often the offender was a person close to them that they want to protect. Conversely, it may be that by placing the blame on the offender they then feel helpless.
Trust
Sexual assault is a betrayal of trust. Most survivors find it difficult to trust other people as well as themselves and their own perceptions. On the other hand, they may place an inappropriate level of trust in everyone.
Long term reactions include coping mechanisms which may be beneficial and adaptive (social support), or counterproductive and maladaptive (self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders).
continuing anxiety
poor health
sense of helplessness
persistent fear
depression
mood swings
sleep disturbances
flashbacks
dissociation
panic attacks
phobias
relationship difficulties
withdrawal/isolation
paranoia
localized pain