Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is a complex and distressing issue that affects individuals across all demographics, irrespective of gender, age or background, with profound consequences, often with leaving individuals with deep scars from the trauma. The psychological impact of sexual abuse is multifaceted, and could potentially lead to various mental health challenges that require understanding and compassion for the victim, as well as from the immediate environment that the individual is a part of.

Sexual assault can leave you feeling ashamed, guilty, afraid, have flashbacks, triggers and unpleasant memories from the incident, making one lose trust and not feel safe. Sexual abuse comprises of a range of non-consensual sexual acts, including physical assault, emotional manipulations and coercive behaviours. It can occur in various contexts - families, relationships, different institutions. Statistics show that 1 in 3 women, and 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

Psychological Effects of Sexual Abuse

The aftermath of the abuse can leave survivors grappling with various emotions of shock and disbelief, a heightened sense of vulnerability along with fears of personal safety and trust. Over time, survivors may experience intrusive memories, and severe emotional distress caused by the triggers, PTSD, and may engage in avoidance behaviors. They may also battle with low-esteem, a distorted sense of self worth, and may dissociate or detach from themselves, their surroundings, and their emotions and feelings. The pain of the trauma may also manifest in destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm to cope with their emotions. It may also lead to anxiety and depression.

Personal relationships would get affected when survivors would find it challenging to trust others, thus resulting in difficulties to form or maintain intimate relationships, and develop insecure attachment styles which could be an avoidant attachment or excessive clinginess or fear of abandonment.

Coping mechanisms can range from healthy practices of seeking therapy and opening up about what happened to close, trusted individuals or to unhealthy ones of substance abuse or self-harm. One may also internalize the shame and blame what has happened to themselves, which would severely affect their identity and self-esteem. Cognitive distortions may also be present where the thought patterns are distorted, and this would lead to more complications.

Pathways to Recovery

Recovery from sexual abuse is complex and involves many different areas. It involves physical, emotional and psychological areas and the other areas that have been impacted by the trauma. The first step is addressing any physical injury from the trauma. It may involve getting physical checkups and inquiries in order to take care of any physical harm.

Dealing with the emotional aftermath may be challenging but it is necessary. Inorder to process these emotions, a safe and structured environment is crucial, along with a trained professional in the area of trauma. In therapy, trained professionals will help one go through the painful memories in a systematic and structured environment where the individuals will then identify and challenge harmful beliefs about themselves and of the incident, and also learn how to develop coping mechanisms to deal with symptoms of PTSD, anxiety or depression that may have arisen because of the abuse.

Rebuilding trust in others and oneself is important. Maintaining healthy relationships may be difficult, and this is where therapy helps in understanding these issues in order to develop healthy relationships. Going through trauma and difficult situations may make you doubt yourself and feel vulnerable, but it is equally important to remind yourself of your own strengths and that you are capable of getting through, even when things are tough, taking it one step at a time. We should also remember that our strength comes from the Lord. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that “those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Regardless of the situation, we know that we can depend on God to strengthen us, and to help us get through our difficult situations

Rebuilding self esteem and empowerment is critical. It involves setting boundaries, taking control back of their lives, engaging in activities that enhance one’s self, along with self-confidence and self-esteem. Learning how to reconnect with our bodies and mind also becomes important. After going through physical trauma, it may get difficult to learn how to reconnect with our bodies and we may neglect taking care of it. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says: “do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” When we honor our bodies, we also honor God. It highlights that our bodies are not just physical entities but spiritual ones, housing the Holy Spirit. This signifies that we should treat our bodies with respect and care.We may overall start to become numb and avoid feeling emotions, and may also ignore the good emotions in the process. Allowing ourselves to experience joy, happiness, doing things like dance, and exercise, things that we love to do, will help us in learning how to connect and get back slowly to feeling confident, safe and secure in ourselves.

Allowing ourselves to mindfully be aware of what is happening in the present will help ground us - be it what we eat, feel physically, our sensations, and emotions, and to be able to feel them without judgment.

Building a support network is essential. This may include friends, family, support groups and therapists. A strong and reliable support group can provide emotional comfort and support, and a sense of community. We also must remember not to isolate ourselves and withdraw from social activities. Proverbs 18:1 says "whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." This verse warns against isolation and encourages reaching out to others. It suggests that seeking help and community is vital for sound judgment and well-being. It is important to stay connected and this can be done in small steps. Being around other people may not always mean that we dwell in what has happened but also to laugh and do other things which bring joy and happiness. Healing also comes from going back to the things we love. Remember to nurture yourself, take care of yourself physically, to take rest and that it's okay to take some time for yourself. Exercise can be one of the most powerful ways you can bring your body back to feeling strong, powerful, and in control, and it will also help in relieving stress and build up your mental health.

God also understands our anxiety and our anxious thoughts. Just like how the psalmist says in Psalm 94:19 - “when anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy”, we can rely on the joy of the Lord to cover us when we are anxious. John 14:27 reminds us that we have God’s peace with us - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Overtime, we learn how to manage our triggers and regulate our emotions so that they don’t regulate us.

Remember that our God is Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, so we can trust in God knowing that He can heal our deepest wounds and that He knows and understands what we are going through, as it says in Jeremiah 30:17 - “for I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord”, and in Psalm 147:3 - “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” There may be things that we cannot tell anyone, but we can always talk to our Father in Heaven, with the assurance that He knows and that He can heal us.

How to Help Someone Recover From Sexual Trauma

Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Patience, understanding and support are key in helping someone recover from trauma. The incident may bring up many feelings and emotions in you too, but it's important to consider the state and situation of the individual and to do our best to be there for them. Remind them that they are loved and cared for, give them the space to open up at their own pace - it may not be the same for everyone, encourage them to seek help, be patient with them, remember not to pressurize them into things, and remember to take care of yourself too in order to be able to take care of others. Stand up for them, and help them voice out, as it says in Proverbs 31:8-9, "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." By fostering a culture of understanding and empathy, we can empower survivors to reclaim their narratives and move toward a future where they can thrive.

Healing from sexual abuse is a deeply personal and often challenging journey, but it is also one filled with hope and resilience. Acknowledging the pain, seeking support, and embracing self-compassion are essential steps in this process. It’s important to remember that you are not alone and that healing can take many forms—therapy, community support, and personal reflection all play vital roles.. Healing is not just possible; it is a journey worth undertaking, one that leads to renewed strength and a sense of agency over one’s life.

(All information in this article is Public Domain)

References:

• Pasque, Lisa Speckhard. “The Lingering Effects of Sexual Trauma.” Mayo Clinic Press, 7 June 2023, mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/lingering-effects-of-sexual-trauma/
• Smith, Melinda. and Segal, Jeanne. “Sexual Abuse | Psychology Today.”
• Sherrell, Zia. “Healing from Sexual Abuse.” Medicalnewstoday.com, Medical News Today, 27 Aug.2024.
• Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. “The Effects of Sexual Assault.” Wcsap.org, 2022, www.wcsap.org/help/about-sexual-assault/effects-sexual-assault.
• Yuan, Nicole P., et al. “The Psychological Consequences of Sexual Trauma.” VAWnet.org, 2016, vawnet.org/material/psychological-consequences-sexual-trauma.