S3/Ep 9: Why Do Abuse Survivors Feel Numb? Childhood Sexual Abuse & Healing | Saprea Director
From Guardians of Hope: Empowering Child Advocacy by Cynthia Ramsaran
January 6, 2026 · 16 min · Season 3 · Episode 9
About this episode
This episode discusses the emotional numbness experienced by childhood sexual abuse survivors and features insights from Chris Yadon of Saprea on healing and support.
** Content Warning: This episode discusses childhood sexual abuse. Resources and support information are provided.** One in eight children worldwide will experience sexual abuse before age 18. In the United States, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before reaching adulthood. Many are walking through life emotionally numb, disconnected from themselves and others, because at some point, numbness became the only way to survive unbearable pain. Emotional numbness is a coping mechanism—the brain's protective response to trauma. Chris Yadon, Managing Director of Saprea, shares more about emotional numbness and how to break the silence, heal, and support loved ones going through it. If you or someone you know needs support: * Saprea [https://saprea.org/]offers free retreats, support groups, and resources: saprea.org * National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
People in this episode
Host: Cynthia Ramsaran
Guest: Chris Yadon
Topics covered
- childhood sexual abuse
- emotional numbness
- trauma
- healing
- support resources
Keywords
- childhood sexual abuse
- emotional numbness
- trauma
- healing
- support groups
- Saprea
- National Sexual Assault Hotline
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Saprea, National Sexual Assault Hotline
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