The physical and emotional impact of sexual abuse can deeply impact someone for years after the event: a difficult truth that remains unfair and unjust to the ones who were harmed.
Still, this reality can change. Healing is possible, and recovery can be gained through understanding and support.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is defined as sexual contact of any body part, between two or more individuals, without the full consent of all people involved. Sexual abuse can also include non-physical contact, where the victim is being exposed to sexual content without consent.1
Sexual abuse can happen at any age and between two or more people. It is not always forceful, but it is sometimes coercive and manipulative.
Sexual abuse is always harmful and can cause lasting trauma for the victims.1
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Although there may be no obvious physical signs of sexual abuse, victims may show signs of emotional, behavioral and relationship disturbances:2
- Sleep disturbances
- Runaway attempts
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Increased sexual behavior
- New onset of anger outbursts
- Interpersonal conflict
- Withdrawn behavior
- Dissociation
This is not an all-inclusive list, as everyone reacts to abuse differently. Likewise, not all who are suffering from sexual abuse demonstrate these signs, and some exhibit only one or two of these, while others may display them all.
It is also common for those experiencing sexual abuse to demonstrate all of these indicators, but at different times.2
We know that sexual abuse is always harmful, both emotionally and physically. As such, those who have experienced sexual abuse manifest these new behaviors as they are attempting to cope with the trauma they have experienced.
Long-Term Effects on Mental Health
Sexual abuse causes a lasting impact on the victim, most especially affecting their mental health. Counseling is essential to overcome the harm caused by the abuse, as the untreated trauma may impair daily functioning, shifting the symptoms of abuse into mental health disorders:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Major depressive disorder
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Relationship difficulties
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Suicidal ideation
Sexual abuse is not the victim’s fault, and it is unfair that the lasting effects are difficult and debilitating. Yet overcoming the effects of abuse is possible.
Seeking support from a trauma-informed counselor can help to start the healing process, where the abuse is safely processed and the effects of the abuse are mitigated.
Why It Can Be Hard to Talk About
Knowing help is available does not always make it easier to seek it out, as talking about the abuse can feel overwhelming for the victim.
Many people who have suffered sexual abuse avoid sharing their stories for many reasons:4
- Fears of social stigmatization
- Concerns that they will not be believed
- Anxiety that their aggressor will retaliate
- Self-blame, despite the abuse not being their fault
- Attempts to avoid the emotional toll of retelling the abuse
All of these create psychological barriers to seeking help, thereby causing more undue suffering for the victims. Knowing this common hesitation, it is extremely important that those who report abuse are supported, believed and offered the help they need and deserve.4
How Therapy Can Help Survivors
For those who have been hurt through sexual abuse, pursuing a safe place to share stories can offer healing and hope. There are many resources available to overcome sexual abuse, and choosing trauma-informed care ensures the safety and comfort needed during such a vulnerable time.
Trauma-informed care promotes healing through empowerment, in which the counselor listens, believes and aids you in overcoming trauma through safe processing.5
By reframing the abuse, trauma-informed care can help you remove any experienced self-blame and instead place you in the position of power, where your healing and resilience are wholly in your control.
Regaining the control lost during the abuse instills the empowerment needed to recapture the life you deserve.5
Finding Support and Resources
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual abuse, know that it is not your fault. No one asks to be abused and you are never to blame.
Choosing to share your story and seek help takes courage. You are worthy of healing and living a life free from the sexual trauma you have endured.
If you are ready to take the first step, many wonderful counselors are waiting to help at therapy.com. You may also find specialized programs for survivors of abuse and domestic violence through our directory.
FAQs
Sexual abuse is considered nonconsensual sexual contact, either physical or nonphysical.
Yes. Sexual abuse can happen between any two people, including strangers or those in a relationship. A total of 60% to 90% of sexual abuse is committed by someone the victim is close to, including family members.6
Often, survivors feel guilt and shame from their abuse, believing that the abuse was their fault. This feeling of fault can be an implanted emotion by the abuser or an internalized feeling from the survivor.
It is important to remember that the victim of abuse is never to blame. The abuse was not the victim’s fault, and they do not need to carry that emotional burden of guilt.4
Trauma-informed care is a critical therapeutic tool used in sexual assault therapy, as it helps the survivor shift to an empowerment mindset, where they are then able to establish a greater sense of control over their lives and their own recovery.5
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse, you can begin healing by calling the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or seeking a counselor at therapy.com.
You matter. Your recovery matters. Reclaim your life today.
- Trauma Therapy
- A comprehensive overview of trauma therapy approaches for long-term emotional recovery.
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) Explained
- How prolonged trauma, often from abuse, leads to C-PTSD and how it is treated.
- Domestic Violence and Abuse Programs
- Specialized therapy programs for survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
- What Is Trauma Bonding?
- Understanding the emotional attachment that can form between victims and their abusers.
Â
References
- Sachs CJ, Ladd M, Chapman J. Sexual Assault History and Physical. Updated 2024 Apr 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448154/
- Kolko DJ, Moser JT, Weldy SR. Behavioral/emotional indicators of sexual abuse in child psychiatric inpatients: a controlled comparison with physical abuse. Child Abuse Negl. 1988;12(4):529-541. doi:10.1016/0145-2134(88)90070-1
- Chen LP, Murad MH, Paras ML, et al. Sexual abuse and lifetime diagnosis of psychiatric disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010;85(7):618-629. doi:10.4065/mcp.2009.0583Â
- Goodman-Williams R, Volz J, Fishwick K. Reasons for Not Reporting Among Sexual Assault Survivors Who Seek Medical Forensic Exams: A Qualitative Analysis. J Interpers Violence. 2024;39(9-10):1905-1925. doi:10.1177/08862605231211926
- McCauley HL, Casler AW. College sexual assault: a call for trauma-informed prevention. J Adolesc Health. 2015;56(6):584-585. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.012
- Get The Facts About Sexual Assault & Rape. RAINN. Updated April 9, 2026. https://rainn.org/get-the-facts-about-sexual-assault-rape/
