Impact of childhood sexual abuse in adulthood.

Being sexually assaulted as a young person can create long-lasting problems in many areas of adult life. Sexual abuse destroys the basic tenet of trust that it is safe for you to be around other people without fear of violation. Being sexually abused can wreak havoc with our sense of self, ability to function on a daily basis, and capacity to trust other people to look after us.

Common difficulties experienced by adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse include:

• Feeling like you’re constantly in ‘crisis mode’

• Negative self-perception

• Interpersonal and relationship difficulties

• Avoidance of intimacy; feeling emotionally numb

• Chronic feelings of isolation and despair

• Feeling emotionally reactive: anger, depression, suicidal thoughts

• Re-experiencing abusive patterns in adult relationships

• Intense shame about the abuse

• Fear of the impact speaking up may have on your relationships

Many survivors feel a misplaced sense of responsibility for the abuse. Counselling can help you come to acknowledge and accept the truth - it’s not your fault. It never was. The blame, shame and sense of responsibility you may be feeling belong only to the person or people who abused you. Specialist sexual abuse counselling is the most effective way to reduce the impact of childhood sexual assault, empowering you to live a life filled with hope, trust and fulfilling relationships.