Ritualistic Sexual Abuse
Ritualistic Sexual Abuse is sexual abuse blended with some form of spirituality and ritual. For example, the abuse reported among the Branched Davidians in Waco, Texas, where a cult leader established himself as a deity figure and manipulated/coerced his followers into sexual acts. It is important for people to know that if they are perceiving a violation of their body and it is mixed with spiritualized duty, coercion, or guilt, it is not okay. In some cases of ritualistic sexual abuse perpetrators encourage or attempt to justify their actions as an act of penance or worship, to the target of their abuse. This type of abuse also can include child marriage, incest rituals, genital mutilation, and chants or incantations during abuse. It is important to, note that the potential for abuse often exists within power differentials. So, in cases of ritualistic sexual abuse, abusers attempt to co-opt the authority of the divine or their position in their faith community to perpetrate sexual abuse. When you have an equal, if there is such a thing, there is more opportunity to defend yourself from a perpetrator, but power differentials increase the opportunity for abuse to happen
If you have experienced something like this, you do not have to be stuck with trauma for the rest of your life. With advanced techniques like Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization that help to heal from those events and live a life directed by freedom not fear. These new techniques limit your exposure to your memory of the past even and make therapy more palatable. A trauma trained therapist can really help to process that without a high level of re-traumatization sometimes without having to retell the story until it no longer triggers intense emotions. We even had people leave sessions and say, “Wait, was that it? How come I didn't cry? Why does this feel better?”
If you or someone you know is struggling with this or a related issue do not delay in seeking help. Even though betrayals by someone as trusted as a faith leader can make it feel like there is no where to turn you can find help and safety. Mental health providers, teachers, and first responders have a duty to advocate for your safety. If you are currently in danger call law enforcement immediately.
FAQ’s
Q: Does sexual abuse have to involve physical contact?
A: No, sexual abuse can happen without being touched or even being in the same space as the abuser. Sexual abuses can include words spoken, sights seen, and acts done covertly, all without physical contact.
Q: What is a Trauma?
A: Trauma can be defined as an emotional response to an experience that is distressing or disturbing. With sexual trauma this often includes experiencing a “No choice, No voice” event. Experiencing something where there's a loss of control, coercion or pressure, a perceived helplessness.
Q: Can I heal from this?
A: Yes! If you have experienced something like this, you do not have to be stuck with trauma for the rest of your life. With advanced techniques like Accelerated Resolution Therapy and Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization, that help to heal the impact of those events, recovery is within reach. These new techniques limit your exposure to your memory of the past event in session and expedites the healing process. Therapist with these advanced techniques can really help you to process trauma without a high level of distress in recalling the memories. Sometimes we are able to work with clients without them needing to retell the story until it no longer triggers intense emotions.
Hear more about this topic on our podcast The Reimagined Life: Episode 5: 5 Types of Sexual Abuse You May Not Be Aware Of (ft. Cristina Ally)