Sexual abuse leaves deep emotional scars. Many times, survivors battle emotions they cannot always understand. Their relationships, health, and daily life may all suffer due to these feelings. Many live with pain long after the abuse stops.
The emotional weight is often difficult and hard to manage. Therefore, many seek the help of sex abuse lawyers at File Abuse Lawsuit. These professional support survivors who want to take legal action and reclaim control. Below are the emotional effects a sexual abuse survivor has to go through.
Fear That Doesn’t Go Away
Even when they are no longer in danger, survivors sometimes live in fear. They could be afraid of people, locations, or even being alone. Some people worry over spoken words or touch.
This fear can manifest as sleepless nights or panic attacks. Anything that reminds survivors of the abuse should be avoided. Fear might linger with them for years, and sometimes a lifetime.
Feeling Shameful for No Reason
Many survivors feel ashamed about what happened to them. They can wrongly think they caused it. Shame silences them and prevents them from seeking help.
Even in cases when one knows the truth, this feeling is difficult to overcome. Many times, survivors feel “broken” or “dirty.” Their self-esteem and view of themselves suffer due to the shame they feel.
Trouble Trusting Anyone
After sexual abuse, trust starts to become quite an issue. Survivors may stop trusting friends, family, or even their own judgment. It can take years to trust someone again.
They might doubt every statement or doubt people’s intentions. Relationships might feelunsafe or overly risky. This distrust can lead to loneliness and disconnection from others.
Feeling Numb and Disconnected
Some survivors feel hardly anything at all. Though they seem fine, they are empty inside. The brain often uses this approach to cope.
They could stop enjoying things they used to enjoy. Those close to them may notice they seem “off” or distant. This numbness is a silent call for help.
Anger That Comes Out of Nowhere
Many times, survivors carry intense anger. They may not always understand why they’re angry. The emotion can explode over small things.
They might be angry with the abuser, others, or even themselves. Some survivors bottle it up until it becomes intolerable. This kind of anger needs attention and care.
Constant Guilt
Another strong emotion survivors deal with is guilt. They may feel guilty for not stopping the violence. Others feel guilty for not telling someone sooner.
Some feel guilty about how the abuse has impacted their loved ones. These thoughts keep repeating in their heads, making them feel worse. Guilt can gradually eat away at their peace of mind.
Feeling Unsafe Everywhere
Those who survive may believe they are never really safe. They might be triggered by crowds, darkness, or even loud noises. Their brain and body remain in a vigilant state due to this issue.
As a result, daily life can be quite difficult. They may stay away from attempting new activities or attending social events. This unsafe feeling takes away the survivor’s freedom and peace.
Flashbacks and Bad Dreams
Many survivors relive the abuse through flashbacks. One never knows when these will strike. Furthermore, it can be difficult to rest at night due to bad dreams.
Flashbacks can make it feel like the abuse is happening again. They are often set off by words, sounds, or smells. More tension and worry can result from this.
Struggles With Intimacy
Sexual abuse can damage one’s ability to be close to others. Some survivors avoid physical touch. Others become confused or terrified during intimacy.
Though they fear it at the same time, they still desire intimacy. This causes problems in relationships. Intimacy starts to cause anxiety rather than enjoyment.