Overcoming The Trauma Of Sexual Abuse

By Staff Reporter - 21 Sep '20 16:22PM

(Photo : Overcoming The Trauma Of Sexual Abuse)

There are over 433,000 victims of rape and sexual abuse every year in the U.S. on average, reports RAINN, and in countries like Canada, one woman is sexually assaulted every minute. As stated in a study by K Chivers-Wilson, "successful recovery from sexual abuse is subjective" and is measured by the ability to combat stress, forgive oneself for guilt, shame and other negative emotions, and the ability to regain control of one's life. When recovery is not achieved, post-traumatic stress disorder can arise. Recovery should be approached from a multifaceted perspective, which can include professional treatment, help from the justice system, and support from family and friends.

Professional Treatment For Sexual Abuse

Victims of sexual abuse should ideally receive treatment early so they can discuss the abuse without judgment in a safe environment. Treatments used to help people who have been abused include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic experiencing, and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), to name just a few. The 'gold standard' treatment is usually CBT, which aims to highlight the vital connection between how people think, feel and behave. Changing one or more behaviors, for instance, can also change how we think or feel about a situation. The exact treatment plan should be decided by the therapist and patient.

Help From The Legal System

It is important for those who have been abused to obtain support from sexual abuse advocates, who can can explain legal and medical options, serve as a liaison between the victim and legal or support systems, make a safety plan, accompany and help victims during medical exams (with the victim's consent), educate family and friends on how to support the victim, and advise victims on how to proceed legally. Advice should also be given on how to proceed criminally and/or civilly (by bringing a personal injury case for civil assault/battery and the intentional infliction of emotional distress).

Support From Family And Friends

Support is vital for victims of sexual abuse. Victims need to reach out to those they trust to rid themselves of feelings like guilt and shame. Being surrounded by loved ones reduces the sense of helplessness and isolation. Many victims find solace in support groups for rape or sexual abuse survivors. These groups also provide invaluable information on how to deal with symptoms; they also provide information and resources that can be vital in this challenging time. Friends can also accompany victims during stress-reducing activities. Some of the most powerful natural means to combat stress include holistic activities like yoga and mindfulness meditation, which lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol.

Sexual abuse can lead to long-term trauma if it is not addressed sufficiently. Recovery involves various factors - including receiving professional treatment, counting on support from professional advocates, and leaning on family and friends. It should also prioritize natural stress reduction methods, which can be especially useful when one is overcome by negative emotions.