Survival & recovery
There is an assumption that people who have suffered childhood sexual abuse are damaged and incapable of living a normal life.
On the contrary...
Many survivors manage to live successful lives, in a range of professions, achieving important goals in life, career and relationships. They show great strength and courage in doing so.
It is possible to recover from many effects of abuse, come to terms with what has happened, by realising that the abuse was not your fault. Some survivors find that difficulties remain with them for the rest of their lives but this is not a hard and fast rule.
Finding the type of help and support that is best for you is important, and we have created a glossary which explains some therapeutic approaches including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Person-Centred Counselling
- Differences between counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatry and psychology
We have also listed support agencies across Scotland who provide a range of services including one-to-one counselling, group support and advocacy.
Survivors can find books, creative writing, art or drama helpful.
Families, friends and partners play a vital part in processing experiences.
Some survivors find channeling negative feelings into campaigning to improve awareness of abuse is very helpful. Indeed, survivors themselves play a pivotal role in the SurvivorScotland strategy.
Many survivors live successful lives, achieving goals in life, career and relationships.
