Effects of sexual abuse brought to light in speech

"Many victims look at the abuse from an adult's viewpoint when they should look at it from the perspective of a helpless child," said Olga Carranza, a psychologist with Counseling and Psychological Services, who spoke about coping with sexual abuse in a speech titled "Foundations of Survival."

Carranza spoke to a group of eight gathered at the Women's Resource Center in the Memorial Student Union.

Many emotions contribute to the victims' experience, such as shame, guilt, anxiety and confusion, Carranza said.

These emotions become overwhelming for the victim and can affect their present friendships and sexual relationships, she added.

A direct consequence of sexual abuse is the inability to trust people, Carranza said.

Many sexual abuse victims want to maintain control of their feelings and behavior, a power that was denied to them in the abuse, she said. As a result, these people face a fear of their feelings, Carranza added.

Norma Navarro, a Latin American Studies senior and Women's Resource Center representative, said sexual abuse needs to be understood at UA.

Survivors of sexual abuse can seek counseling at the Counseling and Psychological Services at the Campus Health Center or at the Oasis Center for Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence in Old Main.

"We wanted to provide this information for women who haven't used the resources (available at UA), so they can feel comfortable enough to one day use them," Navarro said.