Incest and Sibling Sexual Abuse
Incest and sexual abuse between siblings remains one of the last taboos to be addressed by society - as such, it is rarely discussed in the media, or even among survivors themselves. It comes as a shock to many people that children can present a risk to other children. If you are a survivor of incest or sibling sexual abuse, you are not alone. it is estimated that approximately 15% of all people report some kind of sexual activity with an adult family member or sibling in childhood.
Sibling sexual abuse and incest can include touching, kissing, masturbation, oral sex and penetrative sex. However, non-touching sexual abuse may involve introducing a much younger child to pornography, insisting on watching them in the shower, or telling them to watch them masturbate.
What most people don't understand about incest is the deep confusion that is caused when a person you love, an authority figure in your life, violates you in that way. Often times, the abuse is exposed years after the incident leaving the victim and his or her family in a state of confusion and turmoil. Incest is about power and not sex. Learn coping skills and stress reduction techniques while sharing your experience with a warm and compassionionate clinician.
RAPE
Rape can be devastating. It can affect a person's emotional and physical health. Physical challenges include reproductive problems or pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, broken arms, bruises, tears, concussion and even death. Emotional symptoms include depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, intense fear, flashbacks, nightmares, suspicion, hyper-vigilance, isolation, irritability, and lack of concentration. Socially, victims hide from everyone, stop going to school, lose their jobs, and become estranged from family and friends. Because rape is a deliberate act as opposed to an accident, the victim is likely to question her safety. Familiar day-to-day activities are constant reminders of her vulnerability and inability to control her environment.
Domestic Violence & Abuse
Domestic violence and abuse is a huge widespread problem (it is also called Intimate Partner Violence -- IPV -- when it deals specifically with a couple in a relationship -- whether that is marriage or dating, gay or straight.) The following domestic violence and spousal abuse statistics from the American Bar Association and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence are staggering:
- One in every four women will experience domestic violence abuse in her lifetime.
- An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. (85% of domestic violence victims are women.)
- 30-60% of perpetrators of intimate partner violence also abuse children in the household.
- Approximately one in five female high school students reports being physically and/or sexually abused by a dating partner.
- Fifty to eighty percent of teens report knowing someone involved in a violent relationship
In the warmth and safety of our office, we help a victim to become a survivor by rebuilding the trust and confidence you need to overcome this horrible chapter of your life. Our three step approach to recovery includes:
- Describing your experiences to a non-judgmental and supportive therapist who will validate your emotions and thoughts.
- Educate you about the recovery process, dispell myths about rape, domestic violence/abuse and incest, and provide information about the kinds of problems you are likely to experience.
- Teach you coping skill and stress reduction techniques.