What is Childhood Sexual Abuse?

Childhood sexual abuse occurs when a child’s physical or emotional self is violated through sexual actions by an older child or adult, regardless of their relationship or difference in age. The impacts of this trauma can last into adulthood, yet it’s never too late to heal.

Childhood Sexual Assault impacts...

1 in 4 women

1 in 6 men

1 in 5 people

If you are a survivor, you’re not alone. There are 60 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the US today. 9 out of 10 did not report during childhood and even fewer received services.

Whether adults received support during childhood or not, they deserve specialized support during adulthood– that’s why Wings exists to support adults on their healing journey.

Why do we use the term “adult survivor’?

Childhood sexual abuse can look many ways.

Sexual abuse can involve physical touch, yet touch is not required for abuse to occur. Children cannot consent to any sexual activities, and abuse is never the child’s fault.

It can sometimes be difficult for adult survivors to understand that what happened to them was abuse because 90% of abuse happens by someone the child knows and trusts. An abuser may build trust over time through gift giving or paying special attention to the child (called grooming), then take advantage of the child in ways that manipulate their trust.

Abuse by a family member (called incest or intrafamilial abuse) is most likely to remain secret and cause the most devastating impacts of trauma since children are unable to get protective support from those closest to them.

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Is what happened to me abuse?

The impacts of this trauma last into adulthood.

Because sexual abuse happened decades ago for many adult survivors, there is often a disconnect between the symptoms they are experiencing today and their root cause. Every person’s response to trauma is different and may impact these five areas: mind, body, spirit, emotion and connection.

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What are the impacts of CSA trauma?

“It took SO much courage to make that first phone call and attend that first group, but over time, my Wings group became the safest place I have ever known.”

– - Wings Group Member

“I just remember thinking like wow I can relate totally to what this person just said. I just think that it kind of felt like a weight was lifted. Because really it was like me learning that I’m not the only one having experiences in my adult life like this.”

– - Wings Group Member

“My childhood therapist did not prepare me to understand the types of issues I would struggle with in adulthood because of my sexual abuse. Wings provides those key next steps. I now know how to manage my reactions if I get triggered and when I need to circle back for support.”

– - Wings Group Member

“In the beginning I was extremely shameful. Support group helped me not only to realize I had nothing to be shameful about but now I'm completely transparent with my past. And there's no shame whatsoever.”

– - Wings Group Member

“The lessons and tools I've learned from Wings have of course been very helpful, but the main reason Wings has been so clutch is because it serves as a weekly reminder of this sometimes hard to believe truth: As a CSA survivor, I am not alone. And I'm loved as I am.”

– - Wings Group Member

Healing during adulthood is possible

Where we can be harmed, we can also be healed – and it’s never too late to begin your healing journey. We envision a world where all adult survivors have space and support to heal.

Our Approach To Healing