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How can I deal with sexual abuse ?

10 Answers
Last Updated: 03/23/2020 at 7:50pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Cadence
March 3rd, 2015 7:39am
There are a few things that can be done, based on your personal situation. One of the first things would probably be to talk about it, with someone, anyone really, especially if it's been weighing in on your chest. It could even be a diary; it doesn't even have to be an actual person. https://rainn.org/ is a really good resource; it has hotlines, local counseling centers, and tons of information. Just know that you're not alone, above all, and contact RAINN to try to get professional help, and to get out of the situation you're in.
cakeinthebath
May 21st, 2015 10:44pm
Sexual abuse is a terrible thing to experience. You are not alone. If you're comfortable, find someone you trust to talk to, look for a support group, or contact a therapist. Most importantly, look after yourself and put your health and wellbeing first.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 3:09am
Reading other peers story's that have over come sexual abuse and learning to cope with the ideal of the fact that it did happen to you and talking about it and speaking out are some great ways to really over come the issues. But personally I had to take baby steps and work my way up, by talking to a couloirs about it then moving to recovery groups then to the public. And finding support is very helpful to and other abused peers make great friends and supporters.
Truth22
July 25th, 2016 8:11pm
Dealing with sexual abuse can be tough. If one is in a situation where they are currently being sexually abused, PLEASE, tell someone. It can be difficult to talk about, traumatizing even, but telling someone close to you or someone you know really is the first step. Even if the person you tell can't help you, it will make it easier to tell someone who can. There are many routes one can take to stop sexual abuse. If you are being abused: Try and remove yourself from your abuser. Get to a safe place. Contact your local police department, they can and will help you. You'll want to find a counselor or therapist as soon as you feel ready to talk. (Talking too soon can do more harm than good). If you know someone who's being abused or has been: Talking to a person who has been abused can be confusing at times. You don't want to force them to do anything. Not to talk about the abuse or their feelings on the abuse. Even if they are still being abused all you can do is be there for them. Check up on them, make sure they're ok. But do not go overboard as that can irritate the situation. When they come to you allow them to open up, but do not force it. Let them tell you when they are ready to seek help, help them when they ask. A person who has been sexually abused can feel a complete loss of control in their lives. They do not need you to plan or organize things for them, UNLESS they ask. Let them take control of their situation and you just be their support system. Lastly, seek help for yourself. Being a support system for someone who has been abused can be draining and traumatizing for the support as well. You can feel helpless and sometimes agitated that the abused is refraining from getting any kind of help. Eat right, exercise and sleep well as it is incredibly easy for those supporting the abused to fall into depression because they care so much. Remember: it is not your job to control what the abused does or how they do it or when. You're there to support them in whatever they choose be it reporting, or not reporting, staying with their abuser or leaving, without judgement.
Anonymous
March 1st, 2015 5:47pm
It's always helpful of you have someone to talk to about it. Silence can make it feel like it's hold is more powerful. It is also a good idea to take preventative action so that it doesn't happen again. But, most importantly, you have to remember it's not your fault. Forgive yourself if you're blaming yourself, because you don't control the other person. They chose to hurt you in that way, and it will never be your fault.
LimitedEdition
May 3rd, 2015 3:54pm
Tell someone! Don't hold it in and don't try to forget. It hurts more then anything that I can imagine, especially if it's with someone you trust. I still get nightmare when it happened to me, but all I can do is move forward. And hope that next time, I will fight and make sure it doesn't happen. But I really do think telling someone is the best thing for that and don't leave anything out.
Chloelikesgrapes99
May 22nd, 2015 1:06am
Sexual abuse is never okay, first you need to tell someone you can trust, maybe a family member or counsellor, friend etc. Then you should go to the police. From experience it may be wise to see a counsellor so you can live normally and not have this burden on your back all the time
Anonymous
September 1st, 2015 7:17pm
It really helps to tell an adult, because if you do not tell an adult then the issue will never be resolved.
Shyshyluvbug00
November 10th, 2015 8:09pm
Sexual Abuse is a tough subject. Many people handle it in different ways. What i'd personally do is warn the person that you were going to get a hold of the cops. Or not even just warm them, just go to the cops.
Anonymous
March 23rd, 2020 7:50pm
Dealing with sexual abuse is not easy! It challenges us in ways that can makes us feel alone, especially around our loved ones. Allow yourself to be patient with how you are feeling. Personally, things like this can leave a person with all kinds of unwanted feelings. You are not alone. Keep loving yourself and I am hopeful that you will start to see an improvement. If you are ever in need of someone to talk to, coming to 7 cups was a great step! Often times it can be difficult to open up, especially something like this. Luckily, that is what we are here for!