Understanding Sexual Abuse
There are many different types of sexual abuse, but the one common factor is that all of them involve non-consensual sexual activity. Although it is more commonly experienced by women and girls it’s important to remember that sexual abuse can and does happen to anyone including boys, men, those who are married or single, as well as people of the LGBTQ+ community. Sexual abuse isn’t usually just about sex, rather, it’s often an attempt to exhibit power over others.
Types of Sexual Abuse
When it comes to defining sexual abuse, there are several different terms used to describe varying types of sexual acts committed without consent. Some of these include rape, incest, child molestation, intimate partner sexual assault, same-gender assault, and drug or alcohol facilitated sexual assault. While a victim of abuse may feel very alone in their feelings, it’s important to recognize that sexual abuse is experienced by people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations. A common assumption is that sexual abuse usually only happens to certain people, but the fact is, it can happen to anyone.
Sexual Abuse Trauma Symptoms
A person who has been the victim of sexual abuse will generally experience distressing physical and psychological symptoms. After all, sexual assault is traumatic and the symptoms that one experiences are a normal reaction to that fear and loss of control.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms that often accompany sexual abuse:
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- Changes in mood or behavior
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- Persistent sadness
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- Low self-esteem
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- Avoidance of particular people or places
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- Anxiety about engaging in particular activities
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- Disturbing thoughts or nightmares
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- Increase in drug or alcohol abuse
In addition to the above symptoms, it’s common for someone to develop one or more mental and physical health issues.
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Mental Health Disorders
Sexual abuse can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional wellness. It can leave you feeling guilt-ridden — as though you somehow did something to cause the abuse. It also affects your self-worth, confidence, and results in a loss of trust. For these reasons and more, it’s easy to understand why sexual abuse can have a lasting impact on psychological health.
The following are some of the most common mental health disorders linked to sexual abuse:
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition brought on by a traumatic event. Though often associated with military combat veterans, PTSD can be developed by individuals who were sexually assaulted. Although PTSD symptoms may vary, the most common are flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of people or places that remind them of the abuse, feeling on high alert or fearful at all times, and ongoing feelings of hopelessness and shame.
Depression
The fear and loss of control that you have experienced can leave you feeling scared, ashamed, and alone. This may not only make you feel sad, but it can affect your sleeping and eating patterns and prevent you from feeling joy in doing the things you once loved to do.
Anxiety
The terror and loss of control involved in sexual abuse can cause someone to suffer from severe anxiety well after the experience is over. They may have flashbacks, be afraid to leave their home, and live in a constant state of fear that an attack could happen again.
Sexual Health Issues
Victims of sexual abuse may find it difficult to connect with another person sexually after they have been abused. Even the thought of being touched or hugged may put them on edge. The feelings of fear and loss of trust are understandable, but in the long-term, they can affect your closest personal relationships and ultimately lead to avoidance and isolation.
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