Sexual Abuse

Understanding Sexual Abuse and Trauma

Sexual abuse or trauma can take many forms. It may involve overt violence, or it may occur without any physical force. For some, it is a single traumatic event; for others, it unfolds over a prolonged period of time.

Sexual trauma can include molestation, rape, unwanted or inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, coercion, or manipulation into prostitution. It may also involve verbal threats or intimidation used to force or pressure someone into unwanted sexual acts.

Tragically, many instances of sexual abuse occur at the hands of someone known or trusted—a family member, caregiver, or close acquaintance. When this betrayal happens in childhood, it often causes deep and lasting harm, especially to a child’s developing sense of safety and trust. As a result, many adults who experienced sexual abuse as children struggle with intimacy, trust, and self-worth in their later relationships.

Healing is possible. A safe, supportive therapeutic environment can help survivors process these experiences, reclaim their sense of self, and move toward recovery.

Are you a male or female victim of sexual abuse?

• Are you feeling captive and prisoner to your childhood abuse?
• Are you struggling with anxiety or depression due to childhood sexual abuse?
• Do you feel shame, anxiety, depression, low self esteem due to sexual abuse?
• Do you live your life feeling guarded or protected?
• Are you unable to trust or allow people to get close to you?

 These feelings are natural responses to the violation of your safety and trust. The world may no longer feel safe, and part of the healing process involves grieving the loss of the sense of security you once had.

You are not alone in this experience. Therapy offers a compassionate and confidential space to explore and address these deep-rooted emotions. It provides an opportunity to process the trauma and work through any fragmented parts of yourself that may have emerged as a result of the abuse.

With the support of a skilled therapist, it is possible to move forward from sexual trauma. A caring guide will listen to your story, validate your pain, and hold it safely as you rebuild trust, strength, and hope for the future.