| Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center |
What to do if you are an Adult
Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse
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It is important for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to begin the healing
process as soon as possible. Many survivors sometimes repress the memories of
abuse that may come out later in life. The victim maybe was too young to
recognize their victimization or put it into words, was threatened or bribed by the
abuser, felt confused by fearing the abuse but liking the attention, was afraid no
one would believe them, blamed themselves or believed the abuse was
punishment for being “bad,” or felt guilty for possible consequences to the
perpetrator. As adults, victims may suffer after-effects or symptoms of child abuse.
-trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
-nightmares
-discomfort w/ children the same age the victim was a time of abuse
-panic or anxiety disorder
-sexual acting out
-sexual problems or lack of interest in sex
-unexplained pelvic or anal pain
-lack of or large missing blocks of childhood memories
-intuition that one was sexually abused as a child
-a pervasive feeling of powerlessness
-suicidal thoughts/attempts
-self-hatred or self-mutilation
-repeated victimization such as rape, assault, or domestic violence
-lack of trust
-emotional numbness
-shame
process as soon as possible. Many survivors sometimes repress the memories of
abuse that may come out later in life. The victim maybe was too young to
recognize their victimization or put it into words, was threatened or bribed by the
abuser, felt confused by fearing the abuse but liking the attention, was afraid no
one would believe them, blamed themselves or believed the abuse was
punishment for being “bad,” or felt guilty for possible consequences to the
perpetrator. As adults, victims may suffer after-effects or symptoms of child abuse.
- The first step in the healing process is to admit that the abuse happened to
you. Victims often have low self esteem and blame themselves for the
abuse. Memories of the abuse are often repressed and recognizing the
symptoms of victimization may be difficult.
- Some of the symptoms of childhood sexual abuse are:
-trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
-nightmares
-discomfort w/ children the same age the victim was a time of abuse
-panic or anxiety disorder
-sexual acting out
-sexual problems or lack of interest in sex
-unexplained pelvic or anal pain
-lack of or large missing blocks of childhood memories
-intuition that one was sexually abused as a child
-a pervasive feeling of powerlessness
-suicidal thoughts/attempts
-self-hatred or self-mutilation
-repeated victimization such as rape, assault, or domestic violence
-lack of trust
-emotional numbness
-shame
- Seeing a therapist or counselor is a great way to work through emotional
pain. The Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center can provide these services
if you are willing. Please call our agency. We want to help! (864) 227-1623
Physical:
Insomnia/sleep problems, somatic complaints, Eating Disorders, Suicide Attempts
and Chemical use/abuse
Emotional:
Post-traumatic stress disorder, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal
thoughts/ideation, Feelings of Helplessness, Isolation, Fear, Guilt/Self-blame,
Humiliation, Anger and Hopelessness
Social:
Problems with: Self-esteem, Confidence, Relationships, Sexuality,
Aggressive/Delinquent Behavior, Distrust, Viewing oneself as a sexual object,
Self-Destructive feelings and Putting oneself in destructive
situations/relationships, Getting involved with too many partners, Prostitution,
Running Away, Avoidance of sex
Legal:
Making police reports, Recounting victimization, Financial costs for legal
representation
Occupational/Academic:
Decreased or lost: Attendance, Wages, Productivity, Concentration,
Skills/Abilities, Performance, Job/Position
Insomnia/sleep problems, somatic complaints, Eating Disorders, Suicide Attempts
and Chemical use/abuse
Emotional:
Post-traumatic stress disorder, Dissociation, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal
thoughts/ideation, Feelings of Helplessness, Isolation, Fear, Guilt/Self-blame,
Humiliation, Anger and Hopelessness
Social:
Problems with: Self-esteem, Confidence, Relationships, Sexuality,
Aggressive/Delinquent Behavior, Distrust, Viewing oneself as a sexual object,
Self-Destructive feelings and Putting oneself in destructive
situations/relationships, Getting involved with too many partners, Prostitution,
Running Away, Avoidance of sex
Legal:
Making police reports, Recounting victimization, Financial costs for legal
representation
Occupational/Academic:
Decreased or lost: Attendance, Wages, Productivity, Concentration,
Skills/Abilities, Performance, Job/Position
The impact of Rape on Victims
| 115 E. Alexander Ave. • Greenwood, SC 29646 • (864) 227-1623 |