Shame is an overwhelming and often debilitating emotion that can profoundly impact the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
There is no prescribed way that boys and men are impacted by child sexual abuse.
Childhood sexual abuse doesn’t just happen, someone makes an active choice to abuse.
"At times I was consumed by anger, and out of control. It’s taken me a bit of work, but I have learned how to better manage anger."
It is relatively common for people who have been sexually abused in childhood to experience nightmares.
"I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t find the words to say exactly what he was doing, but hell I tried often enough."
"I was travelling along okay and then ‘BANG’, from nowhere, I was straight back there. It spun me out. I had no idea what was happening."
Men who have been sexually abused in childhood report that on occasions thoughts of revenge can confront and consume them. Living well is the best revenge.
If your body reacted in a 'sexual' manner, doesn’t mean you wanted it. It’s not your fault.