Supporting your partner through sexual trauma

Supporting your partner through sexual trauma (Photo: iStock)

Many people live with the invisible wound of sexual trauma. Consultant psychologist James Bosse says sexual trauma can be caused by sexual violation, coercion into sexual activity, rape (including marital rape), harassment, repeated boundary violations, and a fearful and shameful upbringing or past experiences relating to sexuality. Like any wound, he believes that healing is possible.

He says that one of the most painful consequences of sexual trauma is shame, which can affect self-esteem and intimacy. A person who has experienced trauma may feel dirty and blame themselves for it. They may also feel undeserving of love and, when they find someone who loves them, believe that it is too good to be true or fear that it will be withdrawn.