When Trust is Lost

Healing for Victims of Sexual Abuse

[paraphrased from Discovery series (Radio Bible Class) written by Dan B. Allender]

Sexual abuse is one of the few crimes that brings more shame to the victim than to the offender. It takes away a person's innocence and self-respect, and usually silences the victim so that help is difficult to find. Many victims feel alone, confused, depressed and sometimes as if they may be going crazy. If you have been abused, or if you know someone who is struggling with this problem, the following words describe a process of RECOVERY that is filled with hope and help.

Definition of the Problem

Sexual abuse involves any contact or interaction whereby a vulnerable person is used for the sexual stimulation of an older, stronger and/or more influential person. It is a much broader term than you might think--it includes ANY touching; ANY visual, verbal or psychological interaction (even if there is no physical contact); ANYTHING that is meant to arouse sexual pleasure in the offender.

Sexual abuse is a national plaque. Research suggests that by age 18, one in three women will be victims of an sexually abusive contact. ONE IN THREE!!! Statistics for men are less available due to the fact that men are even more reluctant to admit abuse.

The DAMAGE

The damage is heartwrenching. Time may diminish the pain of the memories, but it WILL NOT heal the wound. Resistance to complete healing and restoration seems to be typical of these victims. What exactly is the damage? This type of abuse (regardless of how many times, who did it and the nature of the abuse) causes the victims to feel powerless, betrayed, confused and rejected by God.

This Tears of the Littlest Angels
owned by The PETERSENS.

[ Prev 5 | Skip Prev | Prev | Next | Skip Next ]
[ Next 5 | Rand | List Sites | Join ]
Powered by RingSurf!

>

My Home Page | Visit Heartland/Valley | Explore GeoCities | Get your own free homepage