As we provide care and counseling, it is not uncommon for the client to confide in us about his or her childhood sexual abuse. The CDC gives some statistics about this tragic experience and its typical consequences.

Many children wait to report or never report child sexual abuse. Therefore, the numbers below likely underestimate the true impact of the problem. Although estimates vary across studies, the research shows:

• At least one in four girls and one in 20 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse.

• About 90% of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members.

Outcomes

Experiencing child sexual abuse can affect how a person thinks, acts, and feels over a lifetime. This can result in short-and long-term physical, mental, and behavioral health consequences, such as…

Physical health consequences:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Physical injuries.
• Chronic conditions later in life, such as heart disease, obesity, and cancer.

Mental health consequences:

• Depression.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Behavioral consequences:

• Substance use/misuse
• Risky sexual behaviors
• Increased risk for perpetration of sexual violence.
• Increased risk for suicide or suicide attempts.
• Experiencing child sexual abuse can also increase a person’s risk for future victimization.

https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html

How can God use Spirituotherapy to bring healing, freedom and restoration to victims of sexual abuse? Here are some relevant issues related to the Christ centered counseling process.

Identity: There is a need to exchange a negative identity for a positive identity in Christ (Eph. 2:10). Although their body was violated, and their soul was wounded, the believer has a new, righteous spirit (Eph. 4:24).

Shame: Through the believer’s co-death and co-resurrection, shame can be left behind like removing the burial clothes of Lazarus (John 11:44).

Rejection: Through Christ-centered abiding, we accept our acceptance. God’s grace and love compensates us for human rejection (Eph. 1:6; Rom. 8:31-39).

Concept of God: If their view of God has been distorted, they need the freedom step of rejecting these lies and replacing them with truth about God’s goodness, love, and providence (Eph. 3:17-19).

Suffering: If they have been taught a distortion of God’s sovereignty (that even abuse is “God’s will”), then they need to adopt a spiritual warfare worldview (as revealed in the book of Job). God is not the author of sin, although He is faithful to overrule abuse as we turn to Him for renewal (James 1:13,17; Rom. 8:28,29).

The past: Often abuse casts a shadow on the survivor’s self image and relationships. Through the believer’s union with Christ we are in eternal life. Therefore we have a new spiritual past as well as a new future (2 Cor. 5:17).

Freedom steps: In the freedom in Christ process (“phase 3” in GFI’s 4 Phases model) the counselee learns to forgive by the power of the Holy Spirit, this being set free from bitterness and resentment (John 8:32; Eph. 4:32).

Healing prayer: There is also value in healing prayer. Whereas the truth encounter deals with applying God scriptural Word to replace known lies, healing prayer involves hearing God’s whisper that can grant deeper healing (1 Kings 19:12; Luke 4:18).

Helping others: In addition to counselee’s journeying through personal restoration, God invites them to overcome “by the Word of their testimony” and offer care and resources to others who have experiences similar trauma (Rev. 12:11; 2 Cor. 1:3,4).

Recently Cindy Waddell, a counselee and trainee of GFI, went to be with the Lord. Several months before that she sent us her story of childhood sexual abuse that includes the testimony of her healing journey through coming to know Christ as Savior, Lord, Life and Liberator. Her testimony has been posted here: Exchanging Shame for Dignity: A Testimony of Overcoming Severe Childhood Sexual Abuse.

And here is a concise brochure about helping those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse: Hope for the Heart Quick Reference brochure pdf.

May we be vessels of God’s compassion and provision when ministering to those who have experienced abuse.

JBW