Why Sexual Abuse / Assault Hurts So Deeply
We were created by God for relationship—
Relationship with Him.
Relationship with others.
Sexual abuse is one of the most violating ways that design can be attacked.
It wounds the very parts of us meant for trust, safety, connection, and intimacy.
When someone twists something as sacred as sexuality for their own power or pleasure
, it doesn’t just hurt the body—it tears at our ability to feel safe, loved, or even worthy of relationship.
““I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”
→ God draws near, even when shame pushes us away.”
“Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden… But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?”
For many survivors, the effects run deep:
Difficulty trusting others
Fear of intimacy—even in healthy relationships
Guilt, shame, or confusion about their worth
Isolation or pulling away from God
Believing lies like “I’m dirty,” “It was my fault,” or “I’m unlovable”
God’s heart is for relationship—not religious performance or perfection, but closeness. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells the story of a God who walks with His people, calls them by name, and restores
what sin and suffering have shattered.
God did not create you to carry shame.
He created you for connection—real, safe, holy relationship.
Jesus came not only to forgive sin but to heal what others have broken. He restores our ability to feel safe in His presence again, to build healthy relationships, and to live free from fear and shame.
You are not broken beyond repair.
You are loved, pursued, and made for healing
🌿 Hope and Healing Are Possible
You are not too far gone.
You are not too damaged.
You are not alone.
The road to healing from sexual abuse is often long and layered, but it is not hopeless. Jesus is not afraid of the dark places. He enters them with truth, gentleness, and power.
You may feel like your identity has been stolen or your worth erased—but in Christ, your identity is restored, your worth is unshakable, and your story is not over.
💡 What Healing Can Look Like
Replacing lies of shame with truth about your value
Feeling safe in your own body again
Learning to trust, connect, and rest
Encountering Jesus not just as Savior—but as Healer
Realizing you’re not alone—and never were
🤍 A Gentle Reminder
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting.
It means you no longer live as a prisoner to the past.
Jesus doesn’t just forgive sins—He restores what’s been stolen.
You are not defined by what was done to you.
You are defined by what He did for you.
✝️ Biblical Truth for Survivors
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
— Revelation 21:4
“You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.”
— Isaiah 43:4
Sexual abuse and assault involve any unwanted sexual behavior, contact, or exposure, whether physical, verbal, emotional, or digital. It is not about sex. It is about power, control, and violation. Sexual abuse strips away dignity and invades a person’s body, mind, and spirit—often leaving deep emotional and spiritual wounds
It may include:
Unwanted or non-consensual touching
Sexual acts or advances without consent
Exposure to pornography or being forced to participate in it
Sexualized comments, jokes, or threats
Being pressured, guilted, or manipulated into sexual acts
Marital rape or coerced sex within a relationship
Being touched or exposed to sexual content as a child
Online grooming or coercion through messaging and media
What is Sexual Abuse / Assault?
Wounded Heart by Dr. Dan Allender
A powerful resource for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse
Description:
Dr. Dan Allender combines biblical truth, clinical insight, and deep compassion in The Wounded Heart, a groundbreaking book written for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
He gently explores how abuse affects identity, relationships, and spiritual life—often producing cycles of shame, isolation, perfectionism, rage, and fear.
But this book isn’t just about trauma—it’s about healing.
Allender guides readers through the messy but beautiful process of restoration, offering hope through Christ, safe community, and truth that sets captives free.
💬 Recommended For:
Adult survivors of sexual abuse
Counselors, mentors, and ministry leaders
Anyone seeking to understand the long-term impact of trauma and the path toward healing
What is Grooming?
Sexual abuse often begins with grooming—a slow process of building false trust, breaking down boundaries, and creating emotional dependence or confusion. Grooming can happen in families, churches, schools, friendships, or any place where someone uses influence or affection to exploit another.
My Story: From Shame to Healing
I lived with deep shame for years—always feeling dirty, unworthy, and broken.
I tried everything to numb the pain or regain control: purging, perfectionism, rebellion, promiscuity—chasing power, trying to feel “enough.”
But every attempt only deepened the self-loathing.
Then Jesus stepped in.
He didn’t shame me—He cleansed me.
Healing didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a slow, sacred undoing, like peeling back onion layers—one painful truth at a time.
There were moments I thought I wouldn’t survive. But He was gentle.
He placed people in my life who spoke love, truth, and safety into the parts I was hiding.
The Lord is no respecter of persons.
What He did for me—He can do for you
-Anonymous