Many studies now support the connection between trauma and the later development of sexual or pelvic pain in women. One population-based study of adult women found that sexual, physical and psychological abuse was linked to a four to six-fold increased risk of genital pain in adulthood (Harlow & Stewart, 2005). Another 2011 study found that teen girls suffering from genital pain reported … [Read more...] about Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
Sexual Trauma and Abuse
Coercive Sexual Experiences
An experience that is not usually represented in sexual assault or sexual violence statistics is the experience of sexual coercion. However, coercive sexual experiences are a type of sexual assault and sexual violence and can cause similar trauma related symptoms. Many women who have coercive sexual experiences struggle with how to label or name what has happened to them. Review the checklist … [Read more...] about Coercive Sexual Experiences
How Institutional Betrayal Complicates Healing From Sexual Trauma
Recently there have been more stories in the media about sexual assault or other sexual crimes in which institutional betrayal has played a large role (for example: Jerry Sandusky sexual abuses, various college campus sexual assaults, rampant sexual assaults against women in the military, Harvey Weinstein’s sexual assaults and Larry Nassar’s sexual abuses). Institutional betrayal is when an … [Read more...] about How Institutional Betrayal Complicates Healing From Sexual Trauma
What to do if Sex is a Trigger: Identifying Your Triggers
A trigger refers to a person, place or situation that causes PTSD symptoms. If you have experienced sexual violence, you may find that sex is a trigger. If sex is a trigger you may find yourself avoiding sex completely, or you may avoid certain sexual acts or aspects of sex. Having sex become a trigger can be extremely upsetting. Identifying your triggers is the first step to healing sexually from … [Read more...] about What to do if Sex is a Trigger: Identifying Your Triggers
Were you “Groomed?”: Understanding the Role of Grooming Behavior in Sexual Abuse
Almost every adult survivor of sexual abuse believes they were responsible for their sexual abuse. In addition, the secrecy and shame about these experiences can lead to profound emotional grief and anger, and isolation from others. Often, these feelings are the result of “grooming.” Grooming refers to behaviors that an adult abuser uses to desensitize or prepare a child for sexual abuse. Grooming … [Read more...] about Were you “Groomed?”: Understanding the Role of Grooming Behavior in Sexual Abuse
