Affirmations

Affirmations For Child Abuse Survivors

The sexual abuse was not my fault.

I will keep no more secrets.

I'm glad I told about the abuse.

I can say no to sexual touching.

I am a good person.

Some people can be trusted.

I can feel safe.

All of my feelings are okay.

I make a difference.

I can find treatment that helps.

I know others care about me.

I can take control of my life.

I can be happy.

I am loved.

I am a survivor.

Affirmation Exercise

Complete the following three statements 10 times with positive thoughts, abilities, goals, words, or feelings that apply to you to create your own individualized affirmation list:

I am ...

I can ...

I will ...

Counter It

Child sexual abuse victims share many of the following thoughts or feelings. Remember you are not alone, and your feelings may be similar to other people who have encountered child sexual abuse. Change the following victim statements to survivor statements by countering these negative thoughts or feelings with positive, coping thoughts or feelings:

Victim Statements Survivor Statements

I'm no good. I am a good person

I can't talk about the abuse. I am glad I told about the abuse

I feel so angry and do not know what to do. I can find treatment that helps

The abuse was my fault. The sexual abuse was not my fault

I should have told sooner. I told as soon as I was able

My body is dirty. My body is precious

Nothing can help me now. I can take control of my life

I can never tell anyone some of the things that happened to me because they are so bad. I will keep no more secrets

No one likes me. I am loved

I'm worthless. I am a survivor

I can't control my feelings All of my feelings are ok

I can't trust anyone. Some people can be trusted

I scared (s)he will hurt me again. I can feel safe

I have no family. I know others care about me

No one can help me. I can help myself

I'm a bad person because I have sexual thoughts and feelings now. I am a good person

I hate myself. I love myself

No one loves me. I am loved

The rest of my life is ruined. I have unlimited potential

There is nothing I can do to protect myself. I can take action to keep safe