Overcoming these emotions may take hard work and a lot of time, or it may take little to no time. It may just take a few good cries, a diary to write in, a friend, family member, or a trusted adult to confide in. Recovery may take much more than that. Often abuse leaves deep emotional and physical scarring. To help you recover from this it may require professional help. Many schools have guidance counselors who can help you. There are also services provided in many teen clinics and health offices, such as your local family health center. Some of these health centers have resident therapists who can help you with the emotional aspects of recovering. There may be a Planned Parenthood office in your area, or just your regular doctor. Any thing you say to a health care professional is confidential. Psychologists and psychiatrists are trained to help with the mental trauma that abuse often causes. Some people's brains naturally react to the trauma of sexual abuse by blocking memories, changing the story in your own mind, or other forms of natural mental defense. While these are a temporary solution for the pain your mind is going through, they can cause mental health issues later in life. (i.e. depression, hallucination, schizophrenia, etc.) Your local doctor's office should have phone numbers available for these services. Another option is hotlines. This is a more immediate and anonymous source of help. Your doctor or school counselor also has these numbers, and some are available on the web pages that you can link to from this page. There are also support groups for sexual abuse victims in many communities. No matter what form of help you seek, it is important to begin recovery. Although sexual abuse affects everyone in different ways, it can cause serious long-term damage to some. Get the help that is right for you, and just for you.

     If you are sexually assaulted, or assaulted in any way, call the police, a rape crisis line, or 911 immediately. Even if you do not call the police immediately after the assault, you can still prosecute (Charge the person legally with abuse). This can be done years later even. Sexual Abuse is a crime. Prosecution is important in order for some victims to recover, but it is not important to all victims. It is up to the individual. Abuse also has physical side effects. These can include insomnia, vaginal pain, headaches, back pain, dizziness, etc. When the emotional/mental side effects are combined it can lead a person to do self-harm. This includes development of eating disorders, self-mutilation, and substance abuse. These are the reasons that it is so important to seek help and begin the road to recovery.

Just For You: Because sexual abuse can affect so many parts of your life indirectly it is important to seek assistance or to help yourself with all of these aspects. It can affect how you feel about yourself and others, about school, about sex, and about life. Join support groups, find a hobby, expand your social group, enjoy nature, or do things that just make you feel good about yourself.

The Road to Recovery Main Page
How to Get HELP
Poem - Bless Me
What Can I Do as a Friend?
Links and Bibliography