What are sexual abuse and sexual assault? Sexual abuse is defined as any sexual contact between an adult and a child. In most cases, the perpetrator is someone known by the child. As for sexual assault, it refers to a sexual act without the consent of the victim.
Sexual Assault and Abuse can affect a person emotionally, psychologically and physically. The physical effect includes the fear of contracting HIV or getting pregnant. The emotional effect includes isolation, anger, denial, or disbelief. As for mental health, here are three effects of sexual harassment:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Victims of sexual abuse and harassment often suffer from PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include having nightmares, inability to sleep, developing severe anxiety, and having uncontrollable thoughts. They end up disassociating themselves from their family and society. In addition, they find it harder to trust new people.
Development of Depression
Whether sexual abuse or assault was reported or not, this experience can still lead to depression. Women who suffered sexual abuse becomes sad and feel hopeless. They tend to cry a lot (for no apparent reason) when in fact they just remembered what happened to them.
Having a Suicidal Tendency
Victims of sexual assault and abuse often develop suicidal thoughts especially after learning that they are impregnated. Without enough support from family and friends, these victims often contemplate death as their best way out. They think that they are suffering from a miserable life and everything ends if they commit suicide.
Help for Those Who Have Been Sexually Abused or Assaulted
What can we do if we knew someone who suffered sexual abuse or assault? The first thing to do is to tell her that we believe her. Show her our support. Do not force her to tell her story and wait for her to share her thoughts. If we notice that her situation is not improving, talk her into getting professional help. Find a professional sexual abuse therapist or an organization that can help like Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways offer different kind of counseling and assistance that can save a sexual abuse victim with their unique approach.
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.
Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006
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