I Thought Childhood Sexual Abuse Had to Be Physical. I Was Wrong.

Content warning: This video contains themes of sexual abuse. If you think it may be triggering for you please take care when listening. The thoughts and opinions expressed by our contributors are not necessarily those held by Something to Say.

For many people, childhood sexual abuse is only recognised when it involves physical contact. But abuse can take many forms, and the impact of non-physical sexual abuse is often overlooked.

In this episode, we hear one survivor explain why they choose to speak publicly about their experiences of non-physical childhood sexual abuse. They reflect on the silence that followed the abuse, the shame they were taught to feel, and how finding the language to describe what happened became an important part of understanding their own experiences.

The conversation explores forms of abuse that many people have never been taught to recognise, including chronic sexualisation, sexual harassment, and coercive behaviour within the family. It also highlights how broadening our understanding of childhood sexual abuse helps survivors feel seen and helps others recognise that abuse doesn't always fit the narrow definitions many of us grew up with.

This is an honest conversation about the importance of being believed, the value of community, and why creating space for these discussions matters. Not because anyone should feel they have to share their story, but because understanding the full reality of childhood sexual abuse helps protect children and reminds survivors that they are not alone.

If this conversation gave you a new perspective, consider sharing it with someone else. Every conversation that helps people better understand childhood sexual abuse moves us closer to a world where children are safer.

Subscribe to Something to Say for more conversations, lived experiences, and educational content that challenges misconceptions, builds understanding, and helps break the silence around childhood sexual abuse. 💚

Emily is the founder of the @LeftoversFromTherapy channel and is a therapy client with CPTSD, autism & ADHD, who is bravely sharing her healing journey and findings along the way.

To contact Emily across most social media platforms:

https://linktr.ee/leftoversfromtherapy

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This podcast provides a platform for contributors to share their own lived experiences. Unless expressly stated otherwise, Something to Say has not independently verified the factual accuracy of statements made by contributors and does not endorse or adopt any allegations, assertions, opinions or conclusions expressed in this recording.

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