Trauma comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes. One of the most common forms
of trauma is sexual abuse. Nearly one in ten women is sexually abused in their
lifetimes. This type of trauma leaves scars that cannot be erased. Often children
are sexually abused by a family member. Children often feel unsafe to tell another
adult as there are usually threats involved, and later betrayed to know that
a loved one could do such a horrendous thing. Many of these children later go
on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dissociative Disorders,
and Depression. Flashbacks and extreme anxiety having anything related to the
abuse are common. Trust is not easily formed in relationships.
Sexual abuse has recently been looked at in two different manners. Much of
this work has been done by Lenore Terr. She categorizes the first type as Type
One. This is abuse that has occurred on occasion or only at one point, has not
involved many threats, and has not involved much physical abuse in conjunction.
In contrast, Type Two abuse is often ongoing for years, consists of relentless
threats, downgrading, and physical and mental abuse as well. Type Two abuse
seems to have longer lasting psychological damage. Many women who have endured
Type Two abuse go on to develop Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Terr
and other researchers have proposed that Borderline Personality Disorder is
a more severe case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
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