Damaged by sexual abuse
Question
I've been sexually abused in the past and it's left me feeling scared of looking at my body and exploring it. I'm 22, which is obviously an age when relationships become more serious. I'm very scared of talking to people about it because I'm embarrassed of what happened to me. I don't know what to do and where to get help.
Answer
Understandably, the sexual abuse you've experienced has had a big psychological impact on the way you perceive and feel about your body.
As you know, very often, the emotional/psychological impact of sexual abuse can be delayed until later on in life. This may come in the form of depression, or anxiety, lack of confidence/self esteem. You may also experience problems developing and sustaining relationships or issues surrounding sex. It can be hard to know how to cope, particularly when feelings arise from the past as opposed to the present.
If you would like talk through your experience, and the way in which you feel it may have been an influence on the issues you're experiencing now, you might like to consider calling SAFELINE. You'll be able to speak to a trained volunteer, in confidence and without judgement. It's open weekday mornings and on Monday and Thursday evenings between 7pm and 10pm.
It's also possible to find details of a local support group or you can call the The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) helpline on 0800 085 3330.
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