Sexual Trauma

According to some research approximately one in three women and one in seven men was the victim of sexual abuse as a child. This number may be higher as many instances are never reported. Victims of sexual abuse, incest, molestation, rape, or other sexual trauma may experience a variety of different sexual problems later in life, such as: inability to reach orgasm, lack of interest in sex, erectile dysfunction (ED), vaginismus (contractions of the vagina that prevent penetration), and fear of intimacy or sexual contact.

Sexual abuse lacks the conditions for a positive sexual experience - consent, respect, trust and safety. Instead, sex becomes associated with feelings of lack of control, violation, fear and mistrust. During sexual activity the survivor of sexual abuse may have "flashbacks," sudden images of the sounds, sights and feelings that are reminders of the sexual trauma. These reminders can interrupt the positive and pleasurable feelings of sexual intimacy with a trusted partner. Even when there are no vivid memories of the abuse, the survivor of abuse may have emotions and reactions during sex that cannot be explained or controlled.

The partner of an abuse victim will often become confused, thinking they are doing something wrong or that they are not desirable when in reality their partner’s reaction has nothing to do with them. The victim of sexual trauma can discover healing and move on from these past events to have a healthy sex life. However, this can be a painful and confusing journey that is best undertaken with the guidance and support of a trained professional counselor.