#MeToo, Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse in Adults

​1 in 5 people were sexually abused as children, in the U.S.. Child sexual abuse occurs when a child's physical or emotional self is violated through sexual actions, when a victim is under the age of 18.
When the resulting issues are not addressed, they typically present as:

• Frequent sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares, night terrors, sleeping too much)
• Flashbacks
• Dissociation or losing time
• Difficulty managing emotions
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, powerlessness, shame, or feeling “dirty”
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and hypervigilence
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts and attempts, feeling destructive
• Cutting, self injury, or self mutilation
• Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and/or compulsive overeating)
• Body image issues
• Difficulty with or avoiding relationships, automatic lack of trust of others
• Avoidance of appropriate and consensual sexual intimacy
• Addictions and compulsions (alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, spending, pornography)
• Body memories, somatic symptoms
• Poor boundaries with others (too permissive or too rigid)
• Difficulties nurturing yourself or caring for yourself appropriately

Chances are, you know someone who has experienced childhood sexual abuse. It is an issue that affects all of us at every level of society, including our families, offices, neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship. Survivors need allies like you to stand beside survivors to break down the walls of silence around this issue. With help, we can build healthy communities that speak and thrive. Time to break the cycle and heal as adults.

• Understand how the past affects the present
• Recognizing that what happened was sexual abuse and that the perpetrator is responsible
• Recognizing unhealthy copping skills such as addictions and compulsions
• Identifying and improving self-esteem issues
• Developing healthy boundaries and coping skills
• Accepting love, intimacy and trust

​Information from and assistance at Wings Foundation, Denver, CO. http;//wingsfoundation.org

Provided information doesn't represent an endorsement provider services.