Avoiding vulnerability is a common sexual abuse response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and sexual abuse opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Sexual Abuse
- Concealing sexual abuse from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when sexual abuse is high is enormous
- Shame about sexual abuse thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of sexual abuse often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Sexual Abuse
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in sexual abuse) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and sexual abuse. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Sexual Abuse
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.