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Let’s talk about hypersexuality after assault; a thread!
Hypersexuality is a coping method which occurs after trauma whereby a person becomes overly sexual and seeks out having multiple sex partners (Morton, 2017)
It can be seen as a way that people try to regain control by purposely putting themselves in sexual situations. Consent given in these situations might give them a sense of power over their bodies again (Counselling directory, 2018)
An element of hypersexuality can also be the need to feel wanted as an individual’s self-esteem might become conditional on people wanting to have sex with them (Tremr, 2016)
Hypersexuality as a result of sexual assault is not talked about frequently which makes survivors unaware of how common this response is. Whether you are hypersexual or not, your experience is still completely valid
Victim blaming is commonplace when an individual is hypersexual after assault, as is the misconception that they wouldn’t want to be touched if it were true. This is a myth please believe survivors when they come forward
Some survivors lose the value of sex after an assault and are trying to create a false sense of control. If they continue to consent to many sexual experiences, then they feel they cannot be assaulted again
This can also include excessively talking about sex with people even at inappropriate moments. Many survivors may do this to appear in control of their sexuality or due to thinking their only worth is for sex
We recommend watching:
‘HYPERSEXUALIZATION of Self After Sexual Abuse: (Survivors tribe)’ an 8 minute video from Kelley Miller talking of her experiences of hypersexualising herself after an assault
‘HYPERSEXUALIZATION of Self After Sexual Abuse: (Survivors tribe)’ an 8 minute video from Kelley Miller talking of her experiences of hypersexualising herself after an assault
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