The terms ‘trauma’ or ‘traumatic’ are used to describe experiences and events that can have a lasting and devastating effect on people’s lives. It could be that you have witnessed something terrible or that you have been directly affected yourself. However you have been affected, experiencing a traumatic event can lead to bouts of anxiety, depression or a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress.
Both men and women can be victims of domestic abuse which can include physical violence, bullying, coercion and sexual abuse. It can have a huge impact on your self-esteem and leave you living in fear, even after you have escaped an abusive relationship.
All types of abuse, whether physical or sexual, are traumatic in nature. Disclosing to anyone that you are the victim of sexual, physical or psychological abuse can feel like a mountain that’s just too hard to climb. The very thought of sharing what has happened to you might feel impossible, even though you know that keeping it hidden is stopping you from living the life you want to lead.
I have experience with providing counselling for sexual abuse, and the impact of traumatic experiences and Post Traumatic Stress through my work at SWADS and Turning Point.
I understand how difficult it can be to talk about these kinds of experiences and the level of care needed to support someone through a programme of carefully paced and safe disclosure.
I understand the complex and difficult mixture of emotions you might be experiencing.