Support for Partners of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
This article describes some skills that couples can use to make emotional connections, which are fundamental to intimate couple relationships. It looks both at how to keep communication clear and emotive, as well as how to communicate well in times of conflict.
Link: ncsu.edu/ffci/publications/2007/v12-n1-2007-spring/wiley/fa-11-wiley.php
This article is about a study the author did to find out what affects how partners perceive the effects of sexual abuse in their relationship. The Results section talks about common themes that arose from the research and how they play out in relationships. "Partners' are also referred to as 'Secondary Survivors' in the article.
The author closes with this insight:
If it is apparent that secondary survivors are unaccustomed to being asked about their experiences, it is equally apparent that they want to be heard. An additional impetus for further study of these issues was aptly worded by another secondary survivor at the conclusion of his interview, who indicated:
No one's ever asked before.
Link: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3658/is_200304/ai_n9230599
This is a popular book about the author's personal experience in a relationship with a survivor, and how they made it through the recovery process.
Link: www.amazon.com/Ghosts-Bedroom-Partners-Incest-Survivors/dp/155874116X
Author Meredith Maran wrote this article for Brides magazine in 1987. It's more from the survivor's point of view, and it gives an idea of how relationships are affected by sexual abuse.
10 Lessons to Transform Your Marriage gives a lot of good advice about how to communicate better, and how to avoid escalating into arguments. This is a very important skill to learn for both partners and survivors.
Link: www.amazon.com/Lessons-Transform-Your-Marriage-Strengthening/dp/1400050…