Sexual Abuse and it knock on effects in life.

November 4th, 2008 by Marje Bryant MBACPaccred

Childhood sexual abuse is not uncommon and can have happened to men and women from all backgrounds and cultures. It covers any sexual behaviour that is not appropriate and may or may not include penetration. The abuser is very often a relative, neighbour or family friend and only rarely is a stranger.

Someone who has experienced sexual abuse is very likely to have knock on effects in life now. These may include nightmares, flashbacks or eating problems (anorexia, bulimia or comfort eating.) It often affects the ability to be intimate with people and there may be sexual difficulties with a partner. Alternatively the person may be promiscuous or have lots of 'one night stands.' Depression or problems involving alcohol or drugs can very often have their roots in childhood difficulties.

Within a trusting safe counselling relationship it is possible to work through the abuse and the feelings that go with it to bring real and lasting change to life now.