A child experiences abuse as a betrayal of trust, especially if the abuser was a person she cared about. As adults talk more openly about abuse and how it has affected them, their partners will come to understand how the abuse impacts the relationship.īecause sexual abuse affects emotional development, the following aspects of a relationship can be particularly difficult for both of you:
At least one in four women and one in six men were sexually abused as children. For the purposes of this booklet we will be using the female pronoun. The information can help you whether you're male or female and whether you're in a gay, lesbian, or heterosexual relationship. If you are in an intimate relationship with a person who was sexually abused as a child or teen, this booklet is for you.
