Experiences of women healing from childhood sexual abuse

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse has affected the lives of countless survivors who seek help within the health care system. Despite extensive research and clinical work, many survivors do not receive adequate help. This research aimed to add to the body of clinical knowledge by reporting on the experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors who have achieved a measure of healing. Findings from a naturalistic study of 14 female survivors of childhood sexual abuse are presented. The character of healing, the relationship of context with healing, what facilitated healing, and what impeded healing are discussed.