Sexual abuse and assault has devastating and life-long effects on a person, including anger, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, trust issues, drug and alcohol abuse, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation, and a range of other problems. For many childhood sexual abuse survivors, memories of the abuse are suppressed until some incident happens that causes those memories to come back with a vengeance. For many childhood sexual abuse survivors, memories of the abuse are suppressed until many years into their adult lives. When these hidden feelings rise to the surface, as they often do in adulthood, they can significantly disrupt the individual’s emotional and physical well-being.
Whether you endured childhood abuse or sexual assault as an adult, the effects can be devastating. But there is hope. If you’re an abuse survivor, contact an attorney now. You’re not alone. Many survivors begin their journey towards healing well into their adult lives.
The following resources may also provide guidance to you as you begin to seek healing:
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) is an American anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims, and to ensure that rapists are brought to justice.
The Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP) is a non-profit organization that strives to unite agencies engaged in the elimination of sexual violence. WCSAP provides information, training and expertise to program and individual members who support victims, family and friends, the general public, and all those whose lives have been affected by sexual assault.
King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) provides sexual assault-related services for people of all ages in King County, WA, while working toward the ultimate goal of eliminating sexual violence and abuse from our communities. KSARC strives to ensure that all people affected by sexual assault get the treatment they need and advocacy they deserve.
Shepherd’s Counseling Services provides long-term, affordable therapy for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. All of Shepherd’s experienced, licensed, master’s-level therapists have specialized training and are skilled in treating the complex issue of sexual abuse.
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is a self-help group that supports people who have been victimized by clergy, and helps them try to pick up the pieces of their lives, heal and move forward. SNAP also tries to cooperate with the news media and provide reliable information to the public, as a way to help others in their recovery and prevent future abuse.
