As a teen or young adult, it can be hard to define sexual abuse and relationship violence. But, it can be even trickier to determine if it’s happened to you. We get it. This topic is hard to talk about, but it is so important to discuss. Understanding sexual abuse, consent, safety plans, and how to get help is a big step towards feeling safe and secure. This can also help you feel more comfortable as you date and enter into relationships. EVERYONE deserves to feel safe and respected in their relationships. So, today I want to discuss sexual abuse and relationship violence. I will share what you can do if you’ve experienced this in your personal life.
What is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence?
Before we go any further, I see it as necessary to define these two terms. So, here we go:
Sexual Abuse
Sexual contact against your will or without your clear and enthusiastic consent. Examples of sexual abuse include:
Any sexual act that you were unable or unwilling to give consent for. This could include when you’re intoxicated, unconscious, or coerced under pressure-
Rape
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Molestation
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Forced oral sex
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Unwanted exposure of genitals or other body parts
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Being forced to watch or make pornography
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Unwanted kissing or touching
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Sexual activity that is violent and causes pain
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Restricted access to birth control or tampering with condoms
Relationship Violence:
Also referred to as domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and power-based personal violence. It is a pattern of behavior meant to establish control over the other partner. This can include:
- Physical acts of violence
- Sexual acts
- Emotional abuse or neglect
- Verbal abuse
- Financial control or deception
- And psychological manipulation
These acts occur to humiliate, threaten, terrorize, manipulate, or blame the other person. They act as attempts to gain power over a partner’s actions.
What is Consent?
Consent seems like an abstract concept. It is challenging for many teens, young adults, and even older adults to grasp. Especially in relationships. Yet, consent is rather simple. What it boils down to is this: did you give a clear and enthusiastic yes in that situation? Did you agree to and feel comfortable with the decision you made? If the answer is no, then you did not consent. You may be thinking “what about those grey areas where I didn’t say no, but I didn’t say yes?” My answer is the same as above. If you did not want to say yes and actually say it, then you did not give consent.
Examples of times when you’re unable to give consent include:
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When you’re concerned or pressured into doing something you don’t want to do
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You fear for your (or someone else’s) safety
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You’re intoxicated
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You’re under the influence of mind-altering drugs
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When you’re sleeping or unconscious
If you’re still not sure rather or not you’re experiencing abuse consider these warning signs:
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Feeling scared of your partner
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Experiencing unwanted sexual advances
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Being touched in ways you do not like
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You have been pressured to engage in sexual acts you don’t want to do
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You’ve been forced to perform sexual acts that you did not give consent for
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You make excuses for your partner’s behavior
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You stay in a relationship with your partner because you’re afraid of the consequences
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Your partner does things to you that you don’t want them to do when you’re under the influence
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You feel like you have to perform sexual acts to get them to like you or stay with you
You may know or feel you’ve experienced sexual assault or relationship violence. If so, you may also wonder what to do next? You may have reported the incident or incidents. Or, you haven’t taken that step yet. Regardless, help and support are available.
A skilled therapist who specializes in sexual abuse and relationship violence can help you sort through your emotions. Together, you can come up with a clear plan for moving forward. But, most important of all, they can offer you non-judgmental support during this time. Furthermore, they can help you develop a safety plan that supports your goals for the future.
What is A Safety Plan?
A safety plan is exactly what it sounds like. A personalized plan to keep you safe from being hurt by your partner or someone else. This detailed plan is specific to every area of your life. It will go over how to keep you safe at home, at school, and at work, and at social events.
A safety plan will help you come up with ways to respond to unsafe situations. A good plan includes planning for ways to tell friends, family, and authorities as well. It also sets you up with a plan for how to care for your mental health after leaving the situation.
If you think you need a safety plan I encourage you to make one! Use this interactive tool from Love is Respect.
Working with A Young Adult Therapist in Roswell, GA
If you have or think you may have been sexually assaulted, then finding support is very important. You deserve to have compassionate support as you navigate the many emotions you’re going through. Talking to your friends, family, and other safe individuals can help you find relief. But, they likely do not share the same set of skills that a therapist or mental health professional has. So, I encourage you to reach out to a young adult therapist. Seek one with advanced training in helping people move forward from the trauma of sexual assault and relationship violence.
Work With a Young Adult Therapist for Trauma Therapy in Roswell, GA
Addressing sexual violence is difficult, but it is the first step in overcoming past trauma. You deserve support as you work to manage your emotions, and a caring therapist from our team is ready to help you. Our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice can help you to create a safety plan and find a path forward. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
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Meet with a caring young adult therapist
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Start overcoming past trauma
Other Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Young adult therapy isn’t the only service provided at our Atlanta, GA-based counseling practice. We offer anxiety treatment, PTSD and trauma treatment, chronic illness counseling, and therapy for postpartum anxiety and depression. We also offer play therapy, child counseling, family therapy, individual counseling. Contact us to learn more about our social skills groups for kids, young adult support groups, and parent education classes. Or, learn more about our services via online therapy in Georgia. Contact our Atlanta area mental health clinic to learn more today!