Sexual Health for Survivors: Rebuilding Sexual Safety | Saprea

Survivors of child sexual abuse may associate sexual arousal with feelings of shame and guilt, especially if they experienced sexual arousal during their abuse. Even though such responses are natural and do not in any way mean the survivor consented to the abuse, it can be difficult to untangle these feelings of shame and betrayal from feelings of sexual pleasure and intimacy. This shame that continues into adulthood can feel like a barrier that hinders a survivor’s enjoyment of or participation in sexual activities. It may impact how a survivor perceives their body, as well as their wants and needs as a sexual being. It can impact current relationships, experiences, and the type of affection a survivor feels they deserve.
Survivors of child sexual abuse can rebuild sexual safety and touch. A good place to start is by focusing on safe, trustworthy non-sexual touch.
At Saprea, we liberate individuals and society from child sexual abuse and its lasting impacts. We have services that help child sexual abuse survivors find healing from the traumatic effects that have often followed them into adulthood, as well as resources for parents and caregivers to learn how to lower the risk of child sexual abuse in their own homes and communities.
Learn more at our website: saprea.org
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