Staggering Quote

He’s says, “it's unusual for a woman to access images of child pornography but not outside the realm of possibility. Such a woman may have been abused herself as a child.” (Emphasis added). This statement is extraordinary. Documenting the long-term negative effects that can be caused by sexual abuse isn’t common. But, tragically sexual abuse is. Statistics say that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abuse by age eighteen . That’s a lot of people and a lot of pain. Chances are you know someone who is a survivor. Look around you, look in the mirror. We’d rather not talk about the unthinkable things done to innocent children much less the ongoing impact on the lives of adult survivors. Addictive behavior like that exhibited by Erika Perdueif is just one of the many symptoms common to survivors of sexual abuse who have not found healing. Other issues, which can be linked to being sexually abused, include depression, self-harm, promiscuity, eating disorders, unexplained pain, sexual dysfunction, or an inability to trust. These don’t necessarily spring from sexual abuse or lead to illegal activity but they certainly have a negative impact on the quality of daily living. As a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of a neighbor, I thought I could simply go on with my life when my family moved to another town. Years later, when I married I realized that my life was still being affected by my past sexual abuse. Flashbacks invaded my intimate times with my husband and my body would simply stop responding. If you are a survivor I wonder if you have found healing? Do it for yourself, do it for those you love. My journey to healing included prayer, Bible study and a trusted friend who offered me godly counsel. I want to encourage other survivors not to settle for life lived in the shadow of shame and pain but to seek healing. The injury of sexual abuse is a deep wound and some have suffered more than others. There is healing for all. I’ll close with another me staggering quote that is true of me and can also be true for you. Psalms 30:2 “O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.”

Posted on June 20, 2012 in Sexual AbuseIntimacy in MarriageSexual Addiction