Sexual Abuse Counseling Week 1: Be Open And Brave About Your Experiences

     

     Before we begin... I am a survivor. You need not worry about useless statements offering support from paid therapists who have never been in your shoes. I wanted to do something like this to try to make sure my arduous journey could help others, but I've been plagued by a feeling that the message won't reach the right person. Being taken advantage of sexually, especially at a young age (I was 6 during the brunt of it) leaves a million emotions to deal with, but the key is dealing with them properly and moving forward. If this helps some people in minor ways or a single person in a major way, it will have been worth it. 

     The first emotion is shame. Abuse leaves a feeling of violation, no matter how unwarranted such a feeling is. One feels almost unpure, like, as they move into adulthood, people will see them differently. Being open and brave is the first step to recovery. I have yet to master this skill, and not everbody needs to know. However, if it is happening, somebody needs to be told, somebody in a position to do something about it. 

     You must be open with those closest to you. Anybody who truly loves you and is worth having around will be there to support you, and those willing to support you not only deserve honesty, but need it. The main goal of abuse is to gain power over a person, and the abuser can only gain such power if you allow them to. Staying silent and trying to repress it feeds their power, and doing the opposite makes them feel small and vulnerable. It is well known that all bullies are weak inside.

     Once you are able to recognize what happened to you, own it, and take control, you are ready to move on to the next step. I know it is easier said than done, and it may take time.