Sexual Abuse

Susan D. Walker, MA, LMHC Counseling

Sexual Abuse

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There are many commonly held beliefs about sexual abuse. One is that abusers are always men. In fact, reports of female perpetrators are on the rise, involving both male and female victims. At least 5% of abusers are known to be women. Another myth is that the abuser is usually a stranger.

More than 70% of abusers are immediate family members or someone very close to the family. Remember - bad guys don't always look bad; they're often the people we love. A third myth is that the abuser is always hated. Often the victim loves and protects the perpetrator.
More below.

Some children feel "special" about the abuse. It may be the only attention or physical contact they're getting. Because of this, some survivors even into adulthood will deal with the abuse by minimizing it.Thus, they make the abuser and the events "OK", to make it feel like they're okay. An additional myth is that only females are sexually abused. In fact, 30% of all male children are molested in some way, compared to 40% of females.

What if you are an adult and think (or know) you have been sexually abused? Why so much talk about sexual abuse done to children? Sadly, most sexual abuse is done to children by adults (who might also have abused themselves). My hope and heart for you are to not blame yourself and come to embrace an identity of purity. It is possible for you and I would be honored to help you through this journey.