Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that occurs without consent. Also referred to as sexual assault or sexual violence, it includes unwanted sexual touching, forced oral sex, and rape, among other sexual acts. No matter which act occurs, it’s not the survivor’s fault that they were assaulted—and help is available to begin healing from such abuse.
Sexual violence is a pervasive problem. The abuse can lead to shock, fear, sadness, and in some cases, an anxiety or depressive disorder. But therapy, coping skills, and social support can relieve the burden and help survivors heal.
Personal, societal, and legal hurdles often prevent survivors from disclosing the abuse and receiving the help they deserve. Although the #MeToo movement and the national discussion that ensued helped to address sexual harassment and assault, there’s still a long way to go to create cultural change and stop sexual violence.
Sexual Behavior is a pervasive problem. In America, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience sexual violence in their lifetimes, according to the National Institutes of Health. And those numbers are likely an underestimate due to the shame and fear that prevent many survivors from reporting the abuse. Most victims know their assailants: About 80% of sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows, such as a neighbor, family member, or romantic partner, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). In cases where the offender remains in the survivor’s family or community, it can be especially scary to come forward.