The Impact of Sexual Abuse Goes Deeper Than Most People Realize

The effects of trauma aren’t just about what happened, they’re about what it made you believe about who you are. The impact of sexual abuse often begins with the painful question survivors try to answer: Why did this happen to me? And without real answers, many blame themselves.

That internal story (“I’m bad,” “It’s my fault,” or “I’m unlovable”) becomes more damaging than the event itself. It shapes your identity, relationships, and ability to feel safe in the world.

Understanding the Impact of Sexual Abuse on Self-Worth

Survivors often carry beliefs formed in silence and shame. Even without remembering the details, the emotional impact lingers. You may:

• Struggle to name what you want or need.
• Stay in unhealthy relationships.
• Avoid closeness, assuming others will hurt you.
• Numb out or self-sabotage.

These are not personality flaws, they’re survival responses. And naming them is the first step toward healing.

You Can Learn to See Yourself Differently

The impact of sexual abuse does not define who you are. Those beliefs were never yours to carry. They were shaped by what someone else did. Healing isn’t about forgetting; it’s about reclaiming your sense of self and choosing to believe you deserve more.

Let’s talk about this. What part of the impact has been hardest to put into words? You’re not alone and we all need support as we work to heal the wounds of childhood trauma.