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.

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.

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

Psychiatrists & Therapists specializing in Sexual Abuse:

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