081 SelfWork: When Sexual Abuse Happens at Home — The Choice to Confront

When sexual abuse occurs within a family, it can wreak mental, physical and emotional damage for the victim that’s complicated to heal. The stats tell us that 34% of cases of child sexual abuse occur in families. That figure is staggering, but my clinical experience over the years backs that figure up. In this episode, we’ll discuss in detail, using the painful experience of a patient years ago, what’s involved in a decision to confront or not to confront the perpetrator. What may happen if you do — or what you need to prepare yourself for. It’s a hard decision, and one that should be made carefully.

Note: If you’ve been sexually abused, this post could trigger you. Please listen with care. The Sexual Abuse Hotline is 800-656-4673 (HOPE). 

You can hear more about mental health and many other topics by listening to my podcast, SelfWork with Dr. Margaret Rutherford. Subscribe to my website and receive one weekly newsletter including my weekly blog post and podcast! If you’d like to join my FaceBook closed group, then click here and answer the membership questions! Welcome!

My new book entitled Perfectly Hidden Depression has arrived and you can order here! Its message is specifically for those with a struggle with strong perfectionism which acts to mask underlying emotional pain. But the many self-help techniques described can be used by everyone who chooses to begin to address emotions long hidden away that are clouding and sabotaging your current life.

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