Curing Sexual Abuse

by Josh Williams

It is difficult enough for each of us to grow into a happy, productive adult with relationships that fulfill us personally and sexually. But children who were sexually abused have an even tougher path: they often face lifelong issues with intimacy, trust, shame and anger and are much more likely to become abusers themselves. Yet we as a society remain uncomfortable talking about the subject.

During a recent episode of Wellness for the Real World, Dr. Veronica talks to guest Brian Beckstead, who was raised in a Mormon household, and was sexually abused by both his ex brother-in-law, as well as his doctor.

“The first case was actually by an ex brother-in-law when I was seven”, Brian explained. “The second incident- I was 15 and I had to go see an urologist; I had some issues with my male plumbing. I went in for an exam, and was sexually assaulted and raped during the exam, and he was a very prominent physician in Salt Lake City”.

Sexual abuse is “rampant and epidemic in our country”, Dr. Veronica tells listeners. “A lot of people are uncomfortable with the topic, but its something that we really need to talk about. The reason I want to talk about this is that when I was an eye surgeon, at one point in my life, I thought that every other person had been sexually abused. What I want to happen when people listen to this is for them to figure out what could have been done differently or what they can do to protect their children” in situations similars to Brian’s, Dr Veronica explains.

Brian overcame his sexual abuse and he is now thriving. He speaks about his abuse and he helps other people through a rape crisis line. Through his website, Brian offers services to individuals from all over the country who need advice or someone to talk to. He has extensive experience in counseling people who is dealing with issues stemming from sexual abuse. Brian can be contacted on his site at www.thebecksteadgroup.webs.com.

To hear Brian’s full testimony, and to learn more from this episode, visit “Curing Sexual Abuse”, on Wellness for the Real World. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding the show, please be sure to share them at www.AskDrVeronica.com.

BIO: Josh Williams is native of Chicago, IL. He received his B.S. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. As an avid writer and educator, he has been quoted by several media outlets, including the New York Times, Huffington Post, and USA Today. Follow him @joshpwill

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