When you have healthy self-esteem, you’re more likely to:

• Believe you deserve kindness and respect.
• Feel confident about your abilities.
• Be okay with setting boundaries and saying no.
• Bounce back from setbacks.

Low self-esteem can make us doubt ourselves, feel like we’re not good enough, or struggle with confidence. But remember, self-esteem isn’t fixed—it can grow and improve over time with care and practice.

Experiencing sexual violence can affect self-esteem in many ways. It’s important to know that these effects are normal responses to trauma, and healing is possible. Here’s how self-esteem might be impacted:

Feelings of Guilt or Shame: You may blame yourself for what happened, even though it’s never your fault. This misplaced blame can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt, lowering self-esteem.

Trust issues: Experiencing sexual violence can make some people question their judgment or ability to make safe decisions, leading to a loss of confidence in themselves. You might also find it hard to trust others again, which can lead to isolation and a sense of being alone, further impacting your sense of self-esteem.

Body Image Issues: You might feel disconnected from your body or struggle with how you view themselves. You might feel like your body has been violated, making it hard to feel confident or comfortable in your own skin.

Difficulty Setting Boundaries: Sexual violence can blur the understanding of personal boundaries. You might feel unsure about asserting yourself or saying no, which can lower your sense of self-worth.

Feeling Unworthy: Some young people may feel like they don’t deserve love, respect, or happiness after what they’ve been through, which can make it hard to believe in their own value.

Overwhelming Emotions:Feelings of sadness, anger, fear, or confusion can become overwhelming and make it hard to focus on positive aspects of yourself or your life.

It’s important to remember what happened does not define your worth. Rebuilding self-esteem takes time, but it is possible. Try the below tips:

• Seeking support: Talking to someone you trust, like a counsellor or a trusted adult, can help them process your feelings.
• Practicing self-compassion: Reminding yourself that what happened is not your fault and you deserve kindness, especially from yourself.
• Setting boundaries: Learning to say no and protect your emotional and physical space can help rebuild confidence.
• Taking small steps: Celebrating even small accomplishments can help rebuild self-worth.