Understanding sexual abuse

Sexual violence is a pervasive problem. The abuse can lead to shock, fear, sadness, and in some cases, an anxiety or depressive disorder. But therapy, coping skills, and social support can relieve the burden and help survivors heal.

Survivors of sexual violence may experience physical injuries due to the assault, as well as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This can harm one’s health, career, and relationships.

Therapy can often effectively address the trauma of sexual abuse. Survivors learn how to identify and understand their emotions, process their memories, develop coping skills, apply stress-management strategies, and restore their confidence.

Powerful forces often prevent survivors from disclosing or reporting sexual abuse, from the fear of retaliation to the potential of reliving a traumatic assault. But when survivors do decide to come forward, unwavering support from friends and family members can help them process the experience and move forward.

There are few offences more painful to contemplate than child sexual abuse. Parents or loved ones may hesitate to raise such a concern with their child, but if they are worried, they should gently but directly ask. Ending any contact with the perpetrator and beginning therapy can help survivors of childhood abuse begin to heal, regardless of how recently the event occurred.