TOPIC

Sexual Assault or Abuse



Sexual assault, also called sexual abuse, is the term used to describe any sexual behavior or act which is unwanted, especially if threatening, forced, violent, or exploitative. This includes any act received while someone is unable to give consent because they are asleep, unconscious, intoxicated, or have a disability or condition that impairs decision-making. Sexual assault can be perpetrated by anyone, whether a known and trusted partner or a stranger; as long as the behavior is unwanted, it is assault. Even a “minor” encounter with sexual assault—such as receiving an unwanted touch or a kiss—can feel incredibly traumatic because of the sudden loss of bodily autonomy.

If you or someone you know is in immediate need of support, please seek professional help. If you are in crisis, here are some immediate free resources.

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Dr. Peter Levine on Child Sexual Abuse and Relational Trauma

Dr. Peter Levine talks about child sexual abuse and relational trauma.

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Invisible Girls: Speaking the Truth about Sexual Abuse

A powerful source of healing for teen girls and young women who have experienced sexual abuse, Invisible Girls offers survivors agency and hope in an era when too many girls have suffered alone. Today, teen girls and young women are finally coming out of the shadows with their #MeToo stories.

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The Second Assault

Victims of childhood sexual abuse are far more likely to become obese adults. New research shows that early trauma is so damaging that it can disrupt a person’s entire psychology and metabolism.

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04:07

Somatic Experiencing Founder, Peter A. Levine, PhD, on Sexual Abuse Trauma

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The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Compassionate and enduring, renowned author, psychotherapist, and certified sex therapist Wendy Maltz presents a comprehensive program for healing that sensitively takes readers step-by-step through the recovery process, integrating expert advice with groundbreaking exercises, proven techniques,...

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‘It Never Stops Shaping You’: The Legacy of Child Sexual Abuse – And How to Survive It

Child sexual abuse is frighteningly common and hugely damaging. But a new project is collecting survivors’ stories – and revealing what is needed to heal

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14:17

LGBTQueering the Narrative of Sexual Violence—Paige Leigh Baker-Braxton— TEDxChicago

Paige Leigh Baker-Braxton, Psy.D. Dr Baker-Braxton spearheads the development, implementation, and evaluation of the first LGBTQ-specific sexual assault response program in the nation. Dr. Baker-Braxton is also a Clinical Psychologist specializing in LGBT mental health and trauma Psy.D.

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I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

A reissue of the now-classic anthology (with more than 60,000 copies sold) of deeply moving testimonies by survivors of child sexual abuse with a new afterword by Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal.

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To Be a Man: Fully Facing Rape and Awakening to True Masculine Power

Redefining true masculine power opens the floodgates to healing men and society as a whole

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The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

The Courage to Heal is an inspiring, comprehensive guide that offers hope and a map of the healing journey to every woman who was sexually abused as a child and to those who care about her. Although the effects of child sexual abuse are long-term and severe, healing is possible.

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WHAT MIGHT HELP

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The information offered here is not a substitute for professional advice. Please proceed with care and caution.

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