Understanding Sexual Abuse: Definition, Examples, and Your Rights
Survivors of sexual abuse often feel isolated in a way that other survivors do not. Many internalize feelings of shame or blame, which can make it difficult to move forward.
If you are a sexual abuse survivor, you are not to blame — and you are not alone.
No matter where the abuse happened or who the perpetrator was, HarassmentHelp.org is here to support you.
What Is Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse occurs when a person uses power, authority, or manipulation to engage in sexual activity with someone who cannot or does not freely give consent. Because of this, sexual abuse often involves children, people with mental or physical disabilities, or other vulnerable adults, but it can also occur in situations where someone is coerced, manipulated, or incapacitated.
Abuse often happens in relationships where there is a clear imbalance of power. It can involve a teacher, religious leader, family member, or a coach. The abuse can be a singular or isolated incident, but in reality, it is often an ongoing problem.
Sexual Abuse Versus Sexual Assault: Understanding the Difference
The primary difference between sexual abuse and sexual assault is the victim’s capacity for consent. Sexual abuse typically involves people who cannot grant consent, while sexual assault involves non-consensual sex acts with adults who are otherwise capable of consenting.
Sexual abuse is a broader, ongoing pattern of harmful or exploitative behavior. It often refers to repeated or long-term mistreatment — such as grooming, coercion, or boundary violations — and can occur in relationships where there is a power imbalance (for example, between a nursing home resident and a caretaker, or between an adult and a minor). Sexual abuse may include acts that meet the legal definition of sexual assault, but it also covers other forms of manipulation or exploitation that might not involve physical force or a single incident.
Sexual assault is usually defined more narrowly in law as a specific incident of unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact or conduct. It focuses on the event itself — such as groping, coerced sexual acts, or rape — regardless of whether there was an ongoing abusive dynamic.
Many adult survivors are adept at hiding the signs of their abuse, and small children may be unable to articulate what has happened to them. Some of the most common signs of child sexual abuse include:
- Personality changes
- Concentration and memory problems
- Changes in appetite
- Sleeping problems
- New fears
- Hygiene changes
- Self-harm
- Regressive behaviors, such as bed-wetting
- Isolation
- Sexual themes in artwork or games
- Problems with school
Signs of sexual abuse in adults can include:
- Chronic pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Reproductive health issues
- Physical bruising around sexual organs
- Cardiovascular problems
- Insomnia
- Substance misuse
- Self-harm
- Depression
Child and adult survivors of sexual abuse might not experience or display all of these signs. Some may hide their symptoms and adapt, but these are not wounds that heal on their own.
The Emotional and Physical Toll of Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse often struggle with physical and emotional effects. Physical issues can stem from the abuse itself or from exposure to a prolonged stress response, which impacts the entire body.
It’s common to develop gastrointestinal issues, including chronic indigestion and ulcers. Cardiovascular problems can stem from the high levels of cortisol in the body, potentially causing high blood pressure and increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
The effects of sexual abuse can also include reproductive health issues. Gynecological complications, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain can all occur in someone who was abused as a child. It’s also very common to have sleep disturbances, nightmares, and trouble falling asleep.
Trauma from sexual abuse translates into emotional issues, too. Survivors are more likely than others to develop anxiety and depression. They can also struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Many are unable to develop healthy platonic or romantic relationships because they were groomed to behave in specific ways, or because they cannot trust people to be honest about their intentions. This lowers their quality of life and can get in the way of maintaining healthy relationships or keeping steady employment.
Consent means a person can freely and knowingly agree to sexual activity. Even if someone says “yes” or doesn’t say “no,” consent is not present if they are pressured, manipulated, or unable to understand what is happening.
Where Sexual Abuse Can Happen — and Who Can Be Involved
Religious institutions
Clergy sexual abuse has been widely reported, and it occurs in every faith. Children are often the victims, but vulnerable adults and the truly devout may also be abused.
Care facilities
People with disabilities or older adults may experience abuse at the hands of caregivers in nursing homes, hospitals, or other care settings.
Sports programs
Sexual abuse in sports is a common problem. Coaches often have significant access to minors and hold a lot of power. Children may feel pressured to comply with abuse to protect their sports opportunities or out of fear that they won’t be believed.
Summer camps
Camp sexual abuse is a concern. Children can be victimized by other campers or counselors. Being relatively isolated and away from their usual support system can make it harder for them to know how to respond or seek help.
Personal relationships
Abuse can also occur in personal relationships. Teens may be coerced into sexual acts they cannot consent to, either by other teens or by adults with whom they have a relationship.
Family settings
Family sexual abuse is especially pervasive. Children may live with or frequently see the perpetrator, which can make it more difficult to speak up about what is happening.
Who We Are – HarassmentHelp.org
HarassmentHelp.org is a project of Phillips & Associates PLLC, a law firm focused on workplace sexual harassment and employee rights. Created by award-winning sexual harassment lawyers, we offer confidential support and practical guidance to help employees understand their rights, navigate workplace retaliation, and make informed decisions to protect their careers.
We guide you through RGA — Rights, Guidance, and Action, a safe and supportive process designed to help survivors of sexual abuse protect themselves and take their next steps.
- Rights – Understand Your Protections
We help you understand your legal protections, what constitutes sexual abuse, and how the law can help keep you safe from further harm. - Guidance – Build Your Plan Safely
We provide confidential, judgment-free support to help you consider your options, connect with trusted professionals, and plan your next steps in a way that feels safe and manageable. - Action – Take Steps With Full Support
You never have to face abuse alone. We can help you create a plan and connect with attorneys who can help you report abuse, protect yourself, and pursue justice.
How HarassmentHelp.org Can Support You
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or are searching for assistance for a loved one who has experienced abuse, we can help. At HarassmentHelp.org, we can guide you in understanding your rights and options, and help you take the next step should you decide to do so.
