Sexual abuse is a term that can cause some confusion or uncertainty. Those who have experienced it may not realize that they have been abused in this way. However, the answer to the question “what is sexual abuse” is quite broad and includes several actions that occur frequently. Understanding the meaning of it, signs of abuse, and what to do when it happens can help individuals know how to proceed when this abuse occurs.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
The definition of sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual activity. People might experience verbal abuse when individuals speak to them with crude or offensive language, or they can experience physical abuse through unwanted touching or forcible penetration. Other forms of it include making threats against someone for withholding or abstaining from sexual activity or using force. Consent is a significant aspect of sexual activity, so if an individual is unwilling or unable to consent to the activity, the person could be experiencing abuse.
Additional examples of it include restricting a person’s access to condoms or other forms of birth control, unwanted violent or rough sexual activity, or pressuring someone into sexual activity.
Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse
It can be challenging to know when sexual abuse occurs, especially when it happens at the hands of someone a person loves or trusts. Often, this type of abuse happens between two people in an intimate relationship. It may also occur between two people who have engaged in past consensual activity. A person may be hesitant to discuss the situation with others, especially if a spouse or family member performed the abuse. Children can also be sexually abused, and they may not be able to communicate about this experience or might feel afraid to do so.
Some of the warning signs of sexual abuse to look for include:
- Keeping secrets from friends or family members.
- Change in mood or personality.
- Decreased confidence.
- Not talking or engaging with others.
- Overly compliant behavior.
- Nightmares.
- Fear of being alone.
- Fear of being around certain people (more common in children).
- Regressive behaviors, such as bedwetting or thumb sucking (in children).
Sexual abuse may present physical indicators, such as bruises or scratches, although physical marks can be harder to see as they tend to appear on intimate areas of the body.
How to Respond to Sexual Abuse
If someone is suffering from this form of abuse, the individual can often feel confused and violated. Since those who have experienced sexual abuse may know their assailants, they may feel perplexed about the relationship. Those who have experienced abuse can reach out to someone they trust to provide support and manage the emotions associated with the traumatic experience. They should also report the incident to the police. Individuals should also seek medical treatment at an emergency room or a health clinic to address possible injuries and manage potential conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies.
It can happen to anyone at any time. Going through this situation is challenging and overwhelming, but help is available. All victims can get through this difficult situation and become stronger while taking legal action against their abusers.
