What is abuse-related trauma?
Abuse-related trauma can develop after a person has been physically/emotionally/sexually hurt and/or neglected, in childhood or as an adult.
A woman may have been:
• sexually or physically abused
• emotionally abused or neglected.
As a result, the woman may have overwhelming feelings of distress, fear and helplessness.
Recognizing Abuse-Related Trauma
Common effects of trauma caused by abuse include:
- Nightmares
- trouble sleeping
- panic attacks & anxiety
-depression
- feeling like you don't want to live or you can't go on with your life
- alcohol & /or other drug use
-flashbacks (sudden , vivid & unpleasant memories of the event)
-difficult relationships
- feelings of self hate & low self-esteem
- fearing people & relationships
- self-harm
-memory gaps
Where to find help
If you are concerned about abuse-related trauma, there are people who can help you or help you find support.
Contact:
• women’s health centres
• community health centres
• therapists in private practice (including massage therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers)
• sexual assault centres
• crisis lines for women who have been abused
• women’s shelters
• spiritual centres
• family service agencies
• family doctors.
End the shame & blame. Reach out for help. It is your time to find strength & heal.
Abuse-related trauma can develop after a person has been physically/emotionally/sexually hurt and/or neglected, in childhood or as an adult.
A woman may have been:
• sexually or physically abused
• emotionally abused or neglected.
As a result, the woman may have overwhelming feelings of distress, fear and helplessness.
Recognizing Abuse-Related Trauma
Common effects of trauma caused by abuse include:
- Nightmares
- trouble sleeping
- panic attacks & anxiety
-depression
- feeling like you don't want to live or you can't go on with your life
- alcohol & /or other drug use
-flashbacks (sudden , vivid & unpleasant memories of the event)
-difficult relationships
- feelings of self hate & low self-esteem
- fearing people & relationships
- self-harm
-memory gaps
Where to find help
If you are concerned about abuse-related trauma, there are people who can help you or help you find support.
Contact:
• women’s health centres
• community health centres
• therapists in private practice (including massage therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers)
• sexual assault centres
• crisis lines for women who have been abused
• women’s shelters
• spiritual centres
• family service agencies
• family doctors.
End the shame & blame. Reach out for help. It is your time to find strength & heal.