When Sex is Traumatic

Help When Sex is Traumatic

This study explores the causes and signs of sexual trauma in newlywed couples.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) affects 20% of women and 8% of men. Also, individuals who have a history of early CSA are more likely to experience a sexual assault in adulthood than those without a history of CSA. Women reported being sexually assaulted by strangers (16.7%), acquaintances (21%), non-spouse relatives (6.5%), and intimate partners (61.9%). The findings of this study suggested that for women, but not men, sexual revictimization (a partner using threats to get sex or being forced to have sex without a condom) may occur in the context of a new marriage and these experiences are associated with increased trauma symptoms. Trauma symptoms include intrusive thoughts or dreams, defensive avoidance, dissociation, and impaired self-reference, and dysphoria (depressed mood).

Everyone struggles with various events in life, but sometimes you may get the sense that your issues are a little more serious than ordinary worries or Monday blues. If you are going through a difficult time and none of the conventional advice seems to make it better, it may be time to try seeing a therapist, or speak with your General Practitioner.  Give us a call at Prepare to Change to see how one of our counselors can help you.

Source:  DiLillo, D., Jaffe, A., Watkins, L., Kras, A., Peugh, J., and Campbell, C. (2016). The Occurrence and Traumatic Impact of Sexual Revictimization in Newlywed Couples. Couple and Family Psychology, Research and Practice, Vol. 5, No. 4, pp. 212-225.