Sexual Abuse Counselling Perth

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in five women and one in 20 men experienced sexual assault after the age of 15.

A Personal Safety Survey in 2016 found 1.4 million adults (7.7%) in Australia experienced sexual abuse as a child. But these numbers only reflect those who were comfortable having this on record. Sexual abuse is one of the most under-reported crimes in Australia. Traumatic experiences such as these are often kept secret because of the way these occurrences elicit shame, guilt and confusion.

Victims of sexual abuse can feel embarrassed by their experiences. Many times the perpetrator is someone they know so they can feel reluctant to speak out.

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What is sexual abuse?

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Sexual abuse is often described as sexual violence, or sexual encounters without the consent of the victim. But sexual abuse can occur in such a way that the victim thinks they are consenting when, actually, they are being coerced or manipulated.

Common types of sexual abuse include:

Rape
Engaging in sexual acts with a child
Incest
Showing sexual images
Saying inappropriate things
Indecent assault (touching inappropriately)
Revealing genitals without consent

The effects of sexual abuse

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Sexual abuse, no matter when it occured, can have a profound affect on how a person lives in the present. Some of these effects may not seem to be related to the abuse but may have stemmed from it.

These traumatic experiences affect the way we live our lives and relate to others. People who have been abused can have trouble leading productive lives, and/or developing and sustaining relationships.

Common effects of sexual abuse:

Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Antisocial behaviour
Sex and intimacy issues
Substance abuse and addiction

Eating disorders
Low self-esteem
Isolation
Avoiding sex
Engaging in abusive behaviour

How can Sexual Abuse Counselling Perth help?

The most important thing for people who have experienced sexual abuse is to know it’s not your fault.

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Even if your body signalled that it was enjoying parts of the abuse at the time (this is common), it was still abuse. It was not okay that it happened to you. It was an abuse of power. Although talking to another person about these memories can be terrifying, reaching out to a Perth counsellor with experience in working with survivors of sexual abuse can be healing.

Through working with a professional, you can begin to release the guilt, shame, anger and other negative emotions you have carried around since it occurred. You are also given the opportunity to deal with other issues in your life that may be holding you back in the present.

My experience

I am a Perth counsellor who works with men and women who have experienced sexual abuse.

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I developed my speciality in sexual health counselling at women’s refuges, youth counselling, and through my work at Sexual Health Quarters WA. I have furthered this speciality throughout my career. I create a safe and supportive space for you to slowly unravel your experiences, whatever they may be. My approach is one of care and compassion. Each session will unfold at a pace that feels comfortable to you.