Survivors Of Sexual Abuse

QUESTION: Is hope and healing possible for survivors of sexual abuse?

ANSWER:

Yes absolutely, survivors of sexual abuse can have hope and healing! However, as a survivor, I can tell you that it does not happen overnight. Sexual abuse causes physiological complications that need to be dealt with.

I am a survivor of sexual abuse. My grandfather sexually abused me from the age of four to the age of twelve. I would like to share some things that have helped me regain hope and healing.

First, I had to come to terms with the abuse. I needed to accept the fact that it happened and not deny it. Hope and healing will come when a sexual abuse victim does not try to cover up the pain, shame, and barrage of other emotions.

Mourning is a vital step. Mourn what was lost, whether virginity, innocence, childhood, or something else.

Forgiveness is another vital step. This may be the hardest one of all. Forgiveness means freeing the person of any wrongdoing. Also forgiving yourself for wondering if you deserved what happened. No one deserves to be sexually abused!

Please understand that as sexual abuse survivors, we will still have memories of what occurred. They will fade over time. However, if you continue to have memories, this does not mean that you have not forgiven. Healing is a process and unfortunately it may take years.

Seeking help from a counselor, therapist, or support group is another necessary avenue. It is important to renew your heart and mind from what transpired. Counseling has helped me tremendously!

I used to think I was alone in my hurt. I have learned that we are not alone, that we did nothing to deserve it, that God is not at fault. I learned to trust God and let Him transform me. God cares for me and He cares for you.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, I implore you to believe there is hope and healing. My healing took over fifteen years. Gradually over the years, I learned to accept God's hope and healing, and I learned to forgive. I learned that true hope and healing can only be accomplished through Jesus Christ.