Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse encompasses a range of unwanted sexual activities committed by a person (or group) upon another. Defined as any non-consensual sexual act, it often involves misuse of power, force, or taking advantage of the victim and their trust, to violate their autonomy. Types of sexual abuse include physical assault, coercion, and exploitation.

The Office of National Statistics reports that an estimated 1 in 5 women and 1 in 6 men experience sexual assault in their lifetime. Sexual abuse often goes unreported. Tthe numbers of sexual offences recorded by the police has been increasing over the last decade, in part thanks to media coverage and campaigns, but this remains significantly below the number of victims and offences estimated by surveys.

The signs of sexual abuse can often be subtle and vary widely. Indicators include sudden behavioural changes, social withdrawal and isolation, or physical symptoms such as unexplained injuries. Survivors may also experience emotional difficulties, such as depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. The impact of sexual abuse can be profound and long-lasting. The psychological distress caused can affect victims’ ability to form relationships, cause trust issues, and feed a diminished sense of self-worth in both relationships and wider life.

Opening up and reaching out to loved ones and professionals is crucial in recovering from sexual abuse. Immediate help in the UK can come from sexual assault referral centres (SARCs), which offer medical, practical, and emotional support delivered by trained clinicians. Further treatment options can include therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy and trauma-focused therapy), support groups, and counselling services. National organisations such as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Rape Crisis offer vital resources and support for those affected.

Raising awareness of different types of sexual abuse, signs that it is occurring, and its impact, is crucial to increasing provision of support for survivors, and also in achieving societal change, to reduce the degree to which sexual abuse happens in the first place.

Further information and resources:

• Sexual Abuse Support
• The Survivors Trust
• Rape Crisis
• NSPCC (Child specific)

Recommended books:

• “The Flying Child - A Cautionary Fairytale for Adults” by Sophie Olson and Patricia Walsh – A beautiful book that details the journey Sophie embarked on with her therapist through trauma stemming from child sexual abuse, towards understanding, growth, and healing.
• “The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Third Edition)” by Wendy Maltz – Utilising evidence-based exercises and techniques, and drawing on first-hand testimonies, this seminal book guides survivors through the process of recovering from sexual abuse.
• “The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse” – Building on the stories of personal healing of many survivors, this book provides vital support and comfort to others who have endured the same and similar experiences.

‍