Why Sexual Abuse 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.
Jeremiah 31:3
“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
What is Sexual Abuse / Assault?
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 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.