Sexual abuse is an uncomfortable topic, but it is a terrible reality for many men and woman inside and out of prison.
You may have experienced some form of sexual abuse, or you may know someone who has. A victim of sexual abuse may be driven to destructive behaviors in order to cope with the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual pain they have experienced, but healing is possible.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE ABUSE
Confessing sexual abuse can be extremely difficult, especially if the victim has been threatened by the abuser or has not received support in the past. If a victim chooses to share about her experience, listen without judgment or accusation.
REPLACE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS WITH TRUTH
A victim of sexual abuse may deal with feelings of confusion, hurt, and shame through alcohol and drugs, food, anger, or sexual addictions. However, these negative thoughts and behaviors will only cause more pain. Replacing these negative thoughts with truth can empower the victim on the road to healing.
Truths to focus on
- God made you in His image (Genesis 1:27)
- God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you (John 3:16)
- God has a plan to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11)
LET GO OF BITTERNESS
Letting go of bitterness requires the victim to offer forgiveness to her abuser. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that the abuse was acceptable, but it does help a person free herself from the past.
IDENTIFY NEGATIVE COPING BEHAVIORS
A person may realize that some of her own behaviors are actually negative coping behaviors designed to protect herself and to make her feel better. It is important to identify these behaviors and to learn good coping skills, so that God can change the person on the inside as well as the outside.
To learn more, read Prison Fellowship®’s other resource on this topic:
- Overcoming Sexual Abuse, a resource for mentors