Understanding Sexual Abuse | Page 21

Anxiety, depression, fearfulness, or post-traumatic stress disorder

Concerns or questions about sexual orientation

Sense of blame or shame over not being able to stop the assault or abuse, especially if you experienced an erection or ejaculation

Feeling on-edge, being unable to relax, and having difficulty sleeping

Feel like "less of a man" or that you no longer have control over your own body

Avoiding people or places that are related to the assault or abuse

Fear of the worst happening and having a sense of a shortened future

Withdrawal from relationships or friendships and an increased sense of isolation

If something did happen to you, you are not alone. Here are some of the common experiences shared by men and boys who have survived sexual assault:

There is support, help and hope for you. Start by chatting with TheHopeLine. Just opening up and sharing about what has happened to you can be a big start to the healing process.