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Childhood Sexual Abuse and the Long-Term Effects on Survivors
Being the victim of sexual abuse as a child is a painfully traumatic experience. Most survivors carry the horrific memories well into adulthood. This unspeakable trauma can cause a burden of physical, emotional, and mental issues, negatively impacting personal, romantic, and professional relationships.
While most survivors have difficulties coping with their traumatic experiences, it’s never too late to start the healing process. Here’s how survivors can get the help they need to move on with their lives.
Healing From Childhood Sexual Assault
While everyone will go through a different experience regarding the healing process, here are some ways to get the care and support you need.
- Seek professional help. Whether you prefer a personal one-on-one session with a therapist or feel most comfortable in a support group, the first step in the healing process is to have someone give you support and encouragement to speak about your experience when you are ready.
- Break the silence. This is one of the most challenging things that any childhood sexual abuse survivor will face. Most adult survivors will keep the abuse a secret out of shame, guilt, or fear that they won’t be believed. Telling another person about your childhood sexual abuse can offer healing and a release from guilt and shame.
- Understand the abuse was not your fault. Sadly, even in today’s society and the awareness of sexual abuse and assault through the #metoo movement, victim-blaming is still extremely prevalent. Knowing that the abuse did not happen because of anything you did is a critical piece of the healing process.
- Speak out against your abuser. As mentioned above, it’s extremely difficult to break the silence, and confronting your abuser can be painful. Yet, holding your perpetrator accountable for their actions can bring you closer to closure and healing.
Have You Survived Child Sexual Abuse? We Can Help.
Child sexual abuse is one of the most painful experiences for anyone ever to endure. The emotional, physical, and psychological damage causes survivors a lifetime of challenges. While it’s common for survivors to repress the memories of abuse and fear confronting their abuser, many survivors do find healing by seeking justice. If you or a loved one has suffered child sexual abuse, we are here to help you hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions so you can move forward.
Know that you are not alone. Contact The Zalkin Law Firm, P.C. today at (800) 477-2989 to learn your rights.
