Sexual assault is related to the development of mood disorders and poor sleep. Memories may be often replayed in your sleep as nightmares or as flashbacks when awake. This can result in feelings of fear and anxiety to certain events.

What are you thinking about yourself and life?

Sexual abuse affects the basic beliefs you have about yourself and the world. The sexual assault distorts our view of human nature and the world as a safe and orderly place.

You may be dealing with a high degree of fear: fear of the dark, fear of sleeping alone, or night terrors. This is because abuse distorts our view of human nature and the world as a safe and orderly place.

Any type of sexual harassment is wrong at any time. You are right to feel angry at what had happened. The anger at the same time brings no peace of mind and often adds more emotional pain. Sometimes you may be angry at yourself too.

It is possible that you sometimes may be angry at yourself for the experience. Many survivors blame themselves almost entirely for the abuse; for being unprepared, helpless and powerless at the time. We often hear our clients say, “It was my fault” or, “If I wasn’t such a bad person, it would not have happened to me”. Many of them believe, “If I was better or more lovable, I would not have been abused.” Or, they might assume that they had “let it happen”.

This is not true. Thinking this way can leave you feeling ashamed and guilty. Regaining control of your thoughts and feelings is your first step to restoration.

Sexual violence often makes the victims feel uncomfortable with who they are. They may underestimate their accomplishments and devalue their worth. You may feel like you are not worthy of love or that you don’t deserve happiness.

This is not true. Sexual abuse counselling can help you combat these negative thoughts.