Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse is a reality in our society. It is simply identified as any act of forcing undesired sexual behavior on a person. This definition is expanded to include child sexual abuse (any form of sexual contact with a child younger than the age of consent, including sexual touching or penetration) by a family member, acquaintance or stranger, sexual assault (including date rape, rape or being a victim of another’s sexual exhibitionism or voyeurism.) Sexual abuse also occurs when a person is a victim of sexual harassment and sexual coercion when the victim is in a role or position of less power or trust and is forced to participate in unwanted sexual behavior. Therapy allows a safe place for victims to work through their pain and find hope.

A person sits against a wall with their hand raised toward the camera, obscuring their face—a gesture often seen in those seeking support from mental health services or Choices Psychotherapy to stop or avoid overwhelming emotions.

Facts About Sexual Abuse

According to DoSomething.org:

  • Over a third of women who are raped as minors are also raped as adults.
  • 42% of raped women expect to be raped again.
  • Rape survivors are 13 times more likely to attempt suicide than are people who have not been victims of a crime.
  • 1 in 5 women (20%) will be sexually assaulted while at college while only 4% of college men will be sexually assaulted.
  • Most victims are assaulted by someone they know.
  • 42% of women who are raped tell no one about the assault.
  • It is estimated that only 5% of sexual assaults on college campuses are reported, making sexual assault the most underreported crime.
  • Rape results in about 32,000 pregnancies each year.
  • 40% of rape survivors develop sexually transmitted diseases as a result of sexual assault.
  • 4 out of 5 rape victims subsequently suffer from chronic physical or psychological conditions.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Based on the U.S. Department of Justice, NSOPW:

  • Fear responses to reminders of the assault
  • Pervading sense of anxiety, wondering whether it is possible to ever feel safe again
  • Re-experiencing assault over and over again through flashbacks
  • Problems concentrating and staying focused on the task at hand
  • Guilty feelings
  • Developing a negative self-image, feeling “dirty” inside or out
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Disruptions in close relationships
  • Loss of interest in sex

Therapists & Psychiatrists Specializing in Sexual Abuse

Related Resources