Revealing a childhood sexual assault

People who were sexually assaulted in childhood (usually called “survivors”) often have the same feelings and reactions as those who were sexually assaulted more recently. These feelings may have remained buried for years, only to surface when the survivor decides to talk about what happened to her/him. Revealing a sexual assault that occurred in childhood can trigger unexpected reactions, as the consequences change over time and are different for everyone.

If you are a survivor, you have probably suppressed your feelings about the assault or abuse for a long time. You may have used alcohol or drugs to mask your distress, or may suffer from an eating disorder.

Deciding to talk about a sexual assault you experienced in childhood may cause all your past emotions and buried memories to resurface. For more information on the possible consequences of sexual assault, click here.