April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
1 in 4 women, and 1 in 18 men have been sexually assaulted since the age of 16.
1 in 6 children have been sexually abused.
But what is the link between sexual assault and eating disorders?
30% of those with EDs have been sexually assaulted.
Whilst the research is limited, there have been studies where a connection between the two have been found- particularly those abused as a child. Although we are still debunking the myth that eating disorders are just about body image, a lot more people have recognised that it is down to so much more than that. There is no specific cause of an eating disorder. Often it is multiple of factors combined: genetics, trauma, pre-existing mental illness etc. But childhood trauma has been shown to have a significant impact on the likelihood of an individual developing an eating disorder. Whether that be bullying, a loss of a loved one, or physical/verbal abuse. If these traumas are not dealt with, or processed healthily, this can have a detrimental effect on how the individual will cope with and control future situations.
We know bullying can impact our body image and self-esteem, along with comments that have been made to us by our family and friends. Even subtle, indirect comments regarding food; labelling it as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. All of which can contribute to an eating disorder. Another factor that damages how we perceive ourselves, is sexual abuse. You may be thinking, “Well, obviously”, but how can this cause a full-blown ED?
Eating disorders are coping mechanisms. They can be used as a form of self-harm; punishment, and a way to relieve negative emotions. Shame, body hatred and a tendency towards destructive behaviours are key in the correlation between anorexia and sexual abuse.
After a traumatic event, it is possible for that individual to suffer from post-traumatic stress in some way. Whether it lasts only for a little bit or develops into PTSD. Eating disorders can coincide with PTSD, controlling our intake to manage the difficult thoughts, images and feelings that originate from our trauma.
Sexual abuse can leave someone feeling not only shame and guilt, but extreme hatred towards their body. It can feel like something has been taken from you; your body no longer feels like yours. By restricting our food, bingeing, or purging, we are taking that power back. On the other hand, it can be seen as a punishment. Its very common to feel as though what happened was your fault. Because of this, we take all the anger, shame and guilt, and take it out on ourselves.
In regard to anorexia- one may have the desire to shrink, not out of vanity, but to disappear, or be seen as ‘unattractive’. Low weight can take away feminine features (breasts become smaller, curves are reduced) with the hope it will deter away men (or women) and preventing the event from reoccurring.
To all the survivors,
I hear you.
I see you.
I believe you.
It was NOT your fault.
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