Sexual Abuse

DISCLAIMER: Dawson McAllister Live does not engage in professional counseling of any sort. The resources that you are about to view are for support and guidance only. They are not intended to give authoritative advice, nor should they be seen as a replacement for professional counseling. These resources are best seen as a beginning point for those who are interested in getting help.

WARNING: The audio clips and stories contained in these resources may cause emotional pain to those who are struggling with the issues discussed.

Welcome to The HopeLine Virtual Coach for the issue of Sexual Abuse. Below you will find stories, information, and resources dealing with the issue. Before you get started with the Virtual Coach, please listen to a DMLive caller talk to Dawson about their experience with Sexual Abuse. To hear the call, please click here.


What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is the improper use of another person for sexual stimulation or gratification, generally without their consent or under physical or psychological pressure. Sexual abuse may be direct and overt, or may be disguised and covert. It includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic images.
  • Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.
  • One in six American women are victims of sexual assault, and one in 33 men. In 2004-2005, there were an average annual 200,780 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault.
  • About 44% of rape victims are under age 18, and 80% are under age 30.
  • 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 7-10 boys will experience unconsenting sexual assault before their 18th birthday
  • 75% of all reported sexual assaults on children are committed by someone the victim knows and trusts
  • 87% of all sexual assault victims are female
  • 97% of all sexual offenders are male
Darla's Story

What he did to Darla is unspeakable. Sure, it happened three years ago but Darla remembers it like it was yesterday. In fact Darla’s mind is often flooded with the thoughts. Sometimes she is overwhelmed by them. Darla tries desperately to forget, but the memories are too vivid and too strong. She wonders if she will ever be “normal” again. Before it happened, Darla was a great student and had lots of friends. Now she sees her grades slipping and many of her friends have left because they say that Darla has changed. It’s not that they know about the abuse, but they can see how she has changed since it happened. Though Darla used to have several guy friends, she no longer trusts men and does not allow any men to get close to her. She desperately wants to tell someone, but she is too afraid of the consequences. She rarely sees him anymore, but when she does he looks at her as if to say, “if you ever tell I will hurt you”. Then he just smiles. Darla is so creeped out by what happened that she has been doing things just to help her deal with the stress. She has been experimenting with drugs and believes that it helps her feel better for a while, but then she is overcome with guilt and regrets the drug abuse. Sometimes she cuts her arms to relieve the pain. Darla’s mom tries to talk to her, but Darla’s silence has been frustrating her mom lately and Darla wonders if she and her mom will be able to have a relationship in the future. All of this has Darla feeling very hopeless and insecure. She knows it was not her fault, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to not blame herself for how she is now.

Your Story

Like the caller you heard speaking to Dawson on DM Live, Darla has is a survivor of sexual abuse/trauma. Both of these young ladies have been sexually violated by men in their lives and are doing their best to deal with the aftermath of the abuse. While the dynamics of each sexual abuse case are unique, the problems associated with the abuse are often relatively common. The caller who spoke with Dawson was dealing with ongoing abuse while Darla’s abuse happened three years ago and was a one-time event. However, Darla relives the abuse repeatedly in her mind and is re-traumatized each time she sees the man who victimized her.

Perhaps you are reading this because somewhere, sometime, someone violated you sexually. You may be experiencing the exact same feelings that Darla is experiencing. Perhaps you are dealing with these realities better or worse than Darla. Either way the effects of the abuse are real and painful. It is very important for you to hear (and believe) that you don’t have to live with the pain and shame that have become “normal” for you since the abuse. Women (and men too) do overcome sexual abuse to live happy, healthy lives. Though you may feel completely worn out and tired of trying, hope exists, and help is available!

If you are dealing with sexual abuse or know someone who is, please read the options below and click any as they relate to you: Return to the Virtual Coach Menu.