Like a metaphoric tidal wave, the effects of childhood sexual abuse can saturate a person; those who have been the target of such twisted and warped acts are often left to live with the effects for a lifetime.

The abuse can affect their every move, such as where they live, the partner they choose, (if they are able to hold down a relationship at all) the clothes they wear, the job they do, and ultimately the life they live. Regularly we witness these effects and one of the classic comments from many clients is often “ I wish I had dealt with this years ago”.

Targets of such abuse often experience a range of different symptomatic ailments and situations such as:

Ø      Eating Disorders

Ø      Illness

Ø      Problems with intimacy

Ø      Depression

Ø      Phobias

Ø      Obsessive compulsion

Ø      Drug dependency

Ø      Alcohol dependency

Ø      Strings of homelessness

All of the above and many many more are often a direct attempt at either finding a way to control their lives or to seek oblivion from the memories they keep locked away.

As an adult, sexual abuse in childhood can be reflected upon until the realisation that actually what happened to them was wrong, was sick and twisted, they may suddenly become aware that what happened was not normal and often this can be the start of recovery.

Having someone trained to listen, not to apportion blame nor to give advice, just to be silent and allow a safe channel of disclosure for that inner secret can be an immeasurable sense of freedom for any target of childhood sexual violation.

Written by Sue J Daniels

© Sue J Daniels 2009