by Robert L. Okin, MD
In my last post I described ways that sexual abuse in childhood affects girls during adolescence. Depression, cutting, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior are all common. And so is the use of drugs and alcohol. These girls often take amphetamines and cocaine to lift their spirits, counteract their chronic boredom, and treat their depression. They … Read more
In my last post I described some of the experiences of women I interviewed who had been sexually abused in childhood to explain how their abuse ultimately led to their homelessness. Many of these women, as children, reacted to their abuse with intense feelings of guilt, shame, depression, and mistrust of adults. Their “spiritual connection” to the … Read more
Homelessness has become a tragically familiar part of our national landscape. While life on the streets is grim for both men and women, homeless women have a particularly difficult time. The struggle they face often extends back to their childhoods. A surprisingly large number of homeless women have suffered sexual abuse and severe neglect as children. At … Read more