Sexual abuse is something we often associate with male assailants and female victims, but in reality, an equal (possibley greater) number of boys are sexually abused during their childhood. Whether it occurs in the home, at school, or next door, the memories are permanent and the psychological trauma often carries over into adulthood.
The effects of sexual abuse can be exceptionally long-lasting and such trauma is reflected in a man’s personal relationships, though he is unlikely to be conscious of the cause. Emotional unavailability, for example, is quite typical of a male survivor of sexual abuse. These men have great difficulty allowing themselves to trust anyone, which creates tremendous distance between them and the women in their lives. Feelings of guilt and shame, particularly if the sexual abuse took place at the hands of another male, often lead male survivors of sexual abuse to question their own masculinity, which can create a horrific sense of performance anxiety in the bedroom.
Recovering From Sexual Abuse
Recovery does not happen overnight, but it is well within the grasp of any male who has made the decision to empower himself and recover the life that was interrupted during his childhood. It is important to note that neither drugs or alcohol will aid you in thsi recovery. They may create a temporary state of solace or amnesia, but this can, and often does, lead to addiction which will only compound the initial issue. Therefore, it is extremely important that drugs and/or alcohol not be used as an emotional crutch when dealing with sexual abuse.
