Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence
Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that occurs without consent. Also referred to as sexual assault or sexual violence, it includes unwanted sexual touching, forced oral sex, and rape, among other sexual acts. No matter which act occurs, it’s not the survivor’s fault that they were assaulted—and help is available to begin healing from such abuse.
Key Takeaways
- Sexual Abuse affects mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
- Understanding sexual abuse is the first step toward managing it
- Evidence-based approaches can significantly improve outcomes
- Building daily habits is more effective than one-time interventions
Understanding Sexual Abuse
Sexual violence is a pervasive problem. The abuse can lead to shock, fear , sadness, and in some cases, an anxiety or depressive disorder. But therapy, coping skills, and social support can relieve the burden and help survivors heal.
Personal, societal, and legal hurdles often prevent survivors from disclosing the abuse and receiving the help they deserve. Although the #MeToo movement and the national discussion that ensued helped to address sexual harassment and assault, there’s still a long way to go to create cultural change and stop sexual violence.
Sexual violence is a pervasive problem. In America, one in three women and one in four men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to the National Institutes of Health. And those numbers are likely an underestimate due to the shame and fear that prevent many survivors from reporting abuse.
Sexual abuse can be traumatic . In the two weeks following an assault, 94 percent of women in one study reported experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder such as flashbacks, insomnia , hypervigilance, and avoidance. They also struggled with anger , anxiety, and depression . Yet up to 90 percent of survivors may recover naturally with time, research suggests. Mental health professionals are always available to help process this painful experience.
Most victims know their assailants: About 80 percent of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows, such as a neighbor, family member, or romantic partner, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). In cases where the offender remains in the survivor’s family or community, it can be especially scary to come forward.
Perpetrators of sexual assault tend to know the victim, have committed crimes or acts of aggresion in the past, and they tend to be adults, as more than half are over age 30, according to RAINN. Some may have a mental health condition such as antisocial personality disorder but the vast majority do not. There is no singular profile for people who commit sexual abuse.
Healing from Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual violence may experience physical injuries due to the assault, as well as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This can harm one’s health, career , and relationships.
Therapy can often effectively address the trauma of sexual abuse. Survivors learn how to identify and understand their emotions, process their memories, develop coping skills, apply stress- management strategies, and restore their confidence .
To find a therapist with experience treating sexual abuse or trauma, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
Although it can take a long time and multiple attempts, most people eventually leave abusive relationships. To make this decision, women have reported that it was crucial to 1) Confront reality and recognize that the abuse will not end 2) Release feelings of self-blame to reclaim self-esteem 3) Accept support and perspective from loved ones or a mental health professional 4) Reach a transition point with regard to feeling personally overwhelmed or consideration for a child’s well-being.
Trauma-focused therapies can be especially effective for survivors overcoming sexual assault. These include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and the somewhat controversial Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. Art therapy may also be a valuable outlet for individuals to process the trauma. If a dissociative disorder is present as a coping mechanism, it is important to treat the disorder so that its root cause can be addressed.
Dissociative identity disorder can emerge as a result of sexual abuse, especially in children. To treat this condition—the presence of more than one identity that takes control at different times— psychotherapy is the primary treatment. Nonverbal forms of therapy such as art, play, and hypnosis may be particularly valuable as they provide outlets for expression when verbal expression is too difficult. Therapy helps process the abuse and eventually achieve a singular, unified identity.
Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Powerful forces often prevent survivors from disclosing or reporting sexual abuse, from the fear of retaliation to the potential of reliving a traumatic assault. But when survivors do decide to come forward, unwavering support from friends and family members can help them process the experience and move forward.
If you’re concerned that a loved one is suffering sexual abuse, asking them directly can lead to relief, support, and treatment. The signs that an adult may have been sexually assaulted include:
• Anxiety about specific situations that didn’t previously prompt anxiety
• Avoiding specific people or places
• Persistent sadness or depression
• Disturbed sleep or nightmares
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is sexual abuse?
Sexual Assault, Sexual Violence
How can sexual abuse be treated?
Powerful forces often prevent survivors from disclosing or reporting sexual abuse, from the fear of retaliation to the potential of reliving a traumatic assault. But when survivors do decide to come forward, unwavering support from friends and family members can help them process the experience and move forward. If you’re concerned that a loved one is suffering sexual abuse, asking them directly c
Is sexual abuse a serious condition?
Sexual Abuse exists on a spectrum. While mild forms are a normal part of life, persistent or severe sexual abuse can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. It's important to seek professional support if sexual abuse is interfering with work, relationships, or wellbeing.
Learn More
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