How to Heal From Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is something that can be extremely difficult to recover from, especially for children and teens. This abuse can traumatize people well into their adult years. It takes time and patience to understand a person who's been the victim of sexual abuse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Helping the Individual

1. Setting the scene: When dealing with an individual who has been the victim of sexual abuse you want to make them feel comfortable. Many victims feel as though it's their fault for what happened to them.

2. Allow them to talk about what happened. The best way to help a victim is to listen because many of them want someone who will listen to them.

3. Encourage them to seek long term treatment in counseling with a trained mental health professional so they can begin to work through issues that developed as a result of the abuse.

4. Give assurances: If a sexual abuse victim has to face legal proceedings because her abuser is being prosecuted assure her that the person can't hurt her anymore. Most victims are afraid to look at their abusers in the courtroom.

5. Let the victim know that you're there for them. Most sexual abuse victims feel alone and isolated. Being there for them makes them feel secure and safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Sexual abuse victims are extremely sensitive to things so it's wise to carefully watch your use of words.