Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse

Perhaps the most reviled kind of abuse, sexual abuse comes in many types and severities. The perpetration of any sexual acts on a person done without consent is a horrific and often emotionally scarring experience that can lead to long term psychological complications. Like every other kind of abuse, sexual abuse victims can be old or young, male or female. Rape, sexual assault, voyeurism, child molestation, and incest are all various forms and severities of sexual abuse.

How to Recognize Sexual Abuse

Unfortunately, sexual abuse can be extremely difficult to properly identify. Victims of sexual abuse are often too frightened or ashamed to speak out about their experiences. Sometimes, they can believe that the abuse is their fault, brought on by some behavior of theirs when this isn’t the case. No one ever is “asking for” sexual abuse. To be on the lookout for targets of sexual abuse, try to observe if a person has issues being touched or has a violent reaction to a certain person. An irrational fear of someone may be a sign of sexual abuse in both children and adults. In the workplace and other places where sexual misconduct can occur like schools or religious institutions, be mindful of people who may be constantly on alert when someone specific is around.

Dangers of Sexual Abuse

Each kind of sexual abuse is a violation, and that can be a difficult feeling for many people to overcome. Shame, guilt, post traumatic stress disorder, chronic depression, and addiction can all be results of ongoing or past sexual abuse. Be sure to be thoughtful and sympathetic and don’t push – forcing a target of sexual abuse to reveal their history can often do psychological harm. In children, the long term affects can be staggering, even leading to serious psychological disorders like borderline personality disorder or dissociative identity disorder. Also be mindful that why it is by no means the rule, people who were abused or exposed to abusive situations as a child can be more likely  to become abusers themselves in later life. Remember that sexual abuse, especially when it regards children, is almost always perpetrated by someone the victim knows.

Dealing with Sexual Abuse

Whether you are trying to help a friend through a traumatic time or you yourself have found yourself to be a target of sexual abuse, the highly skilled therapists on Mentaline.com can help with counselling, however it is important to contact your GP if you are the victim of sexual abuse. The listed professionals might be able to help you sort through the complex emotions and ramifications that arise after an abusive situation. With online tools to help you cope with the problems you are facing, long term emotional fall out is less likely.

Definition of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is the perpetration of any sexual act on an unwilling party.

Symptoms of / Reasons for Sexual Abuse

• Fear of a specific person or scenario
• Dramatically increased feeling of guilt or shame
• Low self-esteem
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Dissociative Identity Disorder

Counselors in

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