What is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse counselling can help individual to understand and process a traumatic situation. The NHS states that “a sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse or the torture of a person in a sexual manner”.
Any sexual act which is performed without consent from both parties is a crime which is taken very seriously by law. No one has the right to sexually abuse you, not even your partner. If you have been sexually abused or raped you may need time to think about what has happened to you. You don’t have to report it to the police if you don’t want to. However, consider getting medical help as soon as possible, because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Counselling for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse to children causes extreme mental health difficulties, and children often fear that the abuser will harm their families if they speak openly about the crime. Whether the abuse happened a long time ago or more recently, in most cases of child sexual abuse the victim and the perpetrator know each other. It takes time and an environment of safety for a sexual health counsellor to earn the trust of a victim of child sexual abuse.
Counselling for Rape Victims
Rape counsellors will never force you to talk about anything until you are ready. When you work with a sexual abuse counsellor who is right for you, you should feel understood and supported. You’ll be encouraged to express your feelings in safe and appropriate ways. Counselling (whether done online or in person) can provide a safe space for you to discuss your experiences so that you can move forwards in life.
Sexual Abuse Counselling
Sexual abuse is very traumatic and can be incredibly difficult to process by yourself without the help of a professionally trained sexual abuse counsellor. Victims of sexual abuse can find it difficult to report the crime or seek counselling to help with the effects of sexual abuse.
Our counsellors have a vast amount of experience in supporting victims of sexual abuse and can help you find coping strategies to bring respite from negative consequences. These consequences of sexual abuse can occur at any time and might include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Anxiety
- Flashbacks
- Emotional turmoil
- Fear of intimacy
- Panic attacks
- Distrust in others/relationship problems
Deciding to have counselling can be a very powerful and life-affirming decision. We understand that it is not always comfortable or easy to speak about the abuse you have suffered.
Our sexual abuse counsellors are thoroughly trained and have many years of experience in offering counselling sessions for sexual abuse victims. Get in touch with our team today to get the support you deserve.
