Sexual coercion is a form of unwanted sexual behavior that can be physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological. Victims may experience anxiety, fear, powerlessness, depression, shame, guilt, anger, sadness, betrayal, and hopelessness. Reconstructing a sense of bodily integrity and personal agency requires courage, perseverance, and support from others. Survivors have several options available to them: therapy, self-help groups, hotlines, medical services, police reports, restraining orders, legal action, and online resources such as chat rooms or forums. Victims should not blame themselves and seek help immediately if they feel unsafe or need it. They must realize they are not alone and that their trauma does not define who they are. It takes time to heal emotionally but it's possible with patience, determination, and professional assistance.
Survivors often face challenges rebuilding trust after abuse. They must work through feelings of vulnerability, dissociation, hypervigilance, anxiety, distrust, anger, suspicion, and fear. Therapists can teach coping strategies like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization techniques, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and exposure therapy. These methods aim to reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and panic attacks by focusing on the present moment without judgment or criticism. Cognitive therapy also helps survivors challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, others, and situations. They learn to be assertive in communication and take back control over their lives.
Survivors may benefit from expressive art forms like journaling, painting, music, poetry, dance, yoga, and tai chi. Expressive arts encourage emotional expression, creativity, reflection, and self-discovery. Art therapy encourages individuals to explore hidden feelings and release them safely. Survivors have a safe space where they don't judge themselves harshly. This allows them to process experiences freely while creating something meaningful for themselves. It increases confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and optimism while reducing shame and embarrassment. Group therapy is another option that lets victims share experiences, support each other, validate feelings, build social connections, and feel less alone.
In what ways do survivors reconstruct a sense of bodily integrity and personal agency after prolonged experiences of sexual exploitation or coercion?
Sexual abuse is an extreme violation of trust and can create lasting trauma that affects every aspect of a person's life, including their physical and mental health, relationships with others, and self-image. After experiencing such violence, survivors may struggle to feel safe and secure in their bodies and reclaim control over their lives.