Hidden Wounds of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse leaves invisible scarring that lasts far beyond the abuse itself. It creates patterns in our brains that impact how we relate to ourselves and others.

If we learn at a young age that sexual acts are the way to receive love and attention, this belief can continue to play out in our relationships in many ways.

Maybe you have a strong desire to be seen as beautiful or attractive. Maybe you long for attention in the form of sexual energy. Maybe you find yourself easily complying with sexual advances, giving in to sex too early in new relationships, or using sex as a means to influence or control others. Maybe for you, sex becomes an insurance policy to keep a partner or a way to test their love for you.

All of these behaviors are evidence that the shadow of sexual abuse or misuse still has a hold on you.

Do you have difficulty holding your boundaries? Do you fear that your partner may be unfaithful or abandon you? Do you find yourself in relationships with partners who coerce or guilt you into sex? Do you feel guilt in pleasure or shame surrounding your needs, even in non-sexual contexts? Do you avoid conversations about sexual desires or feel dirty or defective?

Sex should be a container where we feel safe and free to be ourselves—to ask for what we want, to express ourselves with surrender, to receive with vulnerability and trust that we won’t be exploited. In this space, we experience a paradoxical yet harmonious blend of belonging and autonomy.

Sexual abuse erodes the foundation of these beautiful benefits. Reclaiming this sense of safety—especially if you’ve never known it—is no small feat, but it is within reach.

Sexual abuse betrays us into believing we aren’t in control, that we must abandon our intuition and sense of self in order to maintain connection. Healing from sexual abuse enables us to trust ourselves again, to advocate for what we want and deserve, and to rebuild a foundation of safety and autonomy. 

This video provides a clear explanation of what consent is—and what it isn’t. When consent is absent, coerced, or exploited, it is abuse.

I see you. I believe in your ability to heal and reclaim the freedom and safety that belong to you.

Eva

#sexualabuse #traumahealing #boundaries #consent #mentalhealthawareness #healingjourney #selfcompassion #traumarecovery #reclaimyourpower #therisingsol 

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