Sexual abuse refers to actions of a sexual nature that are unwelcomed, uncomfortable, or forced. Some examples of sexual abuse include inappropriate sexual remarks; insisting that the victim touch the perpetrator’s body; inducing the victim to view sexual activity of others in person or through media (such as pornographic videos or magazines); and inappropriate or unwanted sexual contact or activity (such as fondling; touching of genitals, breasts, or buttocks; oral-genital contact; incest; molestation; and rape).
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
The consequences of sexual abuse for a child may include:
Unfortunately, the consequences of childhood sexual abuse may extend well into the adult years of a victim. Adult survivors of child sexual abuse may struggle long-term with:
RAINN also reports that 1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime, and 1 in 33 American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in his lifetime. In most cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator.
Rape victims tend to experience many of the same consequences as those already listed above. In addition, they tend to:
The wounds left behind from sexual abuse are not likely to self-heal. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, it is critical to get help to work toward your safety and healing. The impact of sexual abuse is profound. If left unaddressed, the consequences of the abuse may interfere with your own wellbeing, and the quality of your relationships with others.
So, what can you do and where can you find help to start your journey to healing?
One resource I highly recommend is RAINN, where you can get help, resources, and/or a referral to your local crisis center. RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual assault organization and operates:
You can find additional resources in the Abuse & Exploitation section of the TFT Resource Center.
Take the next step and move toward your healing.
Copyright © 2021 by Training for Transformation, Inc. All rights reserved.
Completing Your Past
Dr James H Dotson Jr
6/28/2024
Confronting the Realities of Pre-Marital Sex: Part 3—Transformed
Donna Cameron, PhD
5/3/2024
Confronting the Realities of Pre-Marital Sex: Part 2—Frustrated
Donna Cameron, PhD
4/26/2024
Confronting the Realities of Pre-Marital Sex: Part 1—Tangled
Donna Cameron, PhD
4/19/2024
Evil—Part 3: How Do I Live With Bad Stuff?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/17/2023
Evil—Part 2: Why Doesn't God Stop Bad Stuff From Happening?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
11/7/2023
Evil—Part 1: Why Does Bad Stuff Happen?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
10/23/2023
In the Midst of Life’s Realities - the Good and the Bad - What Keeps Me Going?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
6/27/2023
Teen Dating Part 1: 7 Tips for Young Gentlemen
Dr James H Dotson Jr
6/5/2023
Teen Dating Part 2: 7 Tips for Young Ladies
Dr James H Dotson Jr
6/5/2023
Does Forgiveness Cancel Accountability and Consequences?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
2/24/2023
Joy
Dr James H Dotson Jr
1/22/2023
Be Alert!!!
Dr James H Dotson Jr
1/7/2023
Where Are You Going?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/16/2022
Breaking the Chains
Dr James H Dotson Jr
10/21/2022
The Renewing of My Mind—Part 3
Dr James H Dotson Jr
8/27/2022
The Renewing of My Mind—Part 2
Dr James H Dotson Jr
8/21/2022
The Renewing of My Mind—Part 1
Dr James H Dotson Jr
8/16/2022
What In The World Is Going On? — Part 2
Dr James H Dotson Jr
8/6/2022
What In The World Is Going On? — Part 1
Dr James H Dotson Jr
8/6/2022
A Gift We Cherish or A Gift We Abuse?
Dr James H Dotson Jr
1/14/2022
Caught in the Very Act
Dr James H Dotson Jr
1/7/2022
Daniel's Resolve
The Professor
12/31/2021
A Distorted View of Manliness
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/24/2021
Breaking the Cycle of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/17/2021
We Can Win!!! We Have Won!!!
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/10/2021
Help for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/4/2021
Extraordinary Opponents, Require Extraordinary Measures
Dr James H Dotson Jr
12/3/2021
Journey to Transformation
Dr James H Dotson Jr
9/11/2021