Steps to Take When Your Loved One or You Were Molested as a Child
Are you a survivor of child sexual abuse?
If so, you’re not alone. In the United States, 1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 5 boys will be sexually abused before they reach the age of 18. Healing from molestation or any form of sexual abuse isn’t easy, and many people struggle with the pain for the rest of their lives.
But there are steps you can take to help yourself or someone you know heal from past trauma. Keep reading to learn more about steps to take to help someone who was molested as a child.
Five Steps To Take If You Were Molested As a Child
Recovering from sexual trauma is extremely difficult, but healing is possible. To help yourself or someone you know to start the healing process, here are four essential steps to take today:
1. Recognize You’re Not Alone
As we mentioned earlier, child sexual abuse is common in the U.S. Since sexual abuse makes you feel extremely vulnerable and isolated, recognizing you’re not alone can be a crucial step to healing.
Because assault is common, there are many organizations with a lot of helpful resources for survivors. RAINN (or the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) has a free hotline that survivors can call and learn more about resources in their area.
2. Accept Your Emotions
Experiencing molestation or any form of sexual abuse is extremely traumatizing, and survivors will continue to have many different emotions for years to come. For example, it is common for survivors to feel guilt or shame.
Survivors might also start to pull away from people and their daily routines. It’s important to understand that all of your feelings and emotions are valid, and there is no right way to recover from sexual abuse.
3. Talk to Someone
Talking about sexual abuse isn’t easy, but it can be incredibly healing. As you’re recovering from abuse, reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or someone you can talk to and who can help you process your complex emotions.
Group therapy is another excellent option because it allows you to be in a safe space with people who had similar experiences. You don’t have to talk to a professional psychologist. Speak with whoever you’re comfortable and whoever is willing to listen.
4. Take Legal Action
Legal action isn’t an option in every case, but pressing charges against their abuser can help a lot of people heal. After any form of abuse, it’s essential to report the abuser as soon as you possibly can.
Reporting abuse isn’t easy, but you can seek professional help from a lawyer to navigate your state’s laws. Click here to learn more about filing a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit.
Learn More About Child Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, child sexual abuse is common, but there are ways to help yourself or anyone else you know that was molested as a child.
The first step is educating yourself and knowing that there are plenty of resources out there to help sexual abuse survivors. If you’d like more information about how to help, make sure you check out the rest of our website.
