Many victims of sexual abuse become promiscuous, masochistic, or even fantasize about rape during consenting lovemaking without realizing that they are hooked on the “high” of relief they experience by blocking out their assault. Likewise, they can repeat this “forbidden high” by bingeing and purging. Some bulimics compulsively follow rituals which might mirror repeated incidents, such as molestation from a babysitter every Saturday night or visits from a sibling when parents are out of the house. Forced eating and vomiting also parallel the act of forced oral sex. These repetitive behaviors may be an attempt on the part of the unconscious to complete the original abuse in the present. An even more upsetting eating pattern may be the result of Satanic rituals, which could involve swallowing excrement or blood. Given the appalling scope of sexual trauma within this context, it is apparent that an eating disorder can be a crucial mechanism for survival.
Although we are defining sexual abuse here in terms of more extreme behaviors, practically every woman has suffered sexual humiliation in some form or another. Their breasts have been “accidentally” brushed up against, their virginity has been the subject of male gossip, and they have been whistled or jeered at by strangers. In all of these cases, the female is victimized by the standard line, “She was asking for it.” It is no coincidence that epidemic numbers of women also suffer from some type of food/ weight conflict, the most common of which is dieting. Sadly, women’s bodies have become their enemies instead of the natural wonder that they are.
Sexual trauma must be treated in a safe, trusted environment. Coming to terms with the experience, repressed or not, and returning the inner child to an experience of unconditional love and acceptance is a tremendous undertaking. It requires gentle understanding and patience by therapist and patient alike. Keep in mind that eliminating the binge-purge behavior without introducing healthy coping skills can result in a reliving of the original horror. Making some kind of peace with the nightmare that lies beneath the bulimic surface is best achieved with the guidance of a trained and skilled professional (Schwartz, 1996).
Nurse The Soul 