The best tips for sexual abuse victims are for them to pay attention to their feelings and needs and to preserve all options for justice whenever possible. It is often difficult for victims to maintain enough composure to keep options open and preserve evidence. Even those who do not wish to press charges should take care to write down accounts of the trauma for use in therapy and other treatment tactics. Most people who are subjected to sexual abuse take time to come forward about the abuse, and the most important tip to remember in these cases is that all a person's claims will be taken seriously when the right listener is found.
Although coming forward about abuse is difficult, one of the best tips for sexual abuse victims is to get out of the abusive situation as soon as possible by asking for help. Many people who have been abused are afraid to come forward about the abuse. Overcoming fear is difficult, but it is the first and most important step when overcoming the abuse.
Sexual abuse victims in their adult lives may experience difficulties with some aspects of life. Abuse can permanently change someone's feelings and attitudes toward sex, making it difficult to maintain adult relationships. Being forthcoming about abuse is only one option in these situations. It is also acceptable to simply require all partners to stay within a person's comfort zone during physical contact. As a victim, it can be difficult to remember that any adult relationship will involve respect of boundaries even without explanation and that no explanation is ever owed to any person.
Evidence against sexual abusers often takes the form of testimony, as there is rarely physical evidence of abuse that has occurred in the distant past. Absence of evidence does not preclude prosecution, but if there is any physical evidence either because the crime was recent or because records were taken, all efforts should be made to preserve it. Although it might not seem like an important tip for sexual abuse victims at times when escape is a primary concern, evidence might be key to making a case in court later on. Journals, witnesses, and other accounts can all be included.
Overall, the most important tip for sexual abuse victims to remember is to consider their needs in all situations. By remaining attuned to a person's own feelings, a victim can determine when and if problems will arise. It is also important to note that there is no obligation to feel a specific way. Honesty is paramount for sexual abuse victims, and only through honesty can recovery be obtained.
