Loving a Sexual Abuse Survivor: A Partner’s Practical Guide

Loving a spouse who is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a unique and challenging journey. Many partners feel lost, confused, and alone, struggling to understand the trauma's impact on intimacy, trust, and even everyday affection. You want to help, but where do you even begin? In this episode, Caleb sits down with Mary Demuth—author, speaker, and survivor herself—to create a compassionate and practical resource specifically for those partners. Mary shares her powerful story and the moment she felt like a "skinny girl at a sumo wrestling seminar" listening to common church advice on sex. She offers a vulnerable look at how her husband, Patrick, navigated his own valid feelings of rejection and the turning point that helped him become a safe place for her. This episode is packed with wisdom on initiating intimacy safely, encouraging emotional connection without pressure (the "High Dive" analogy), and why healing is a "we" journey, not a "you" problem. Find Mary's work at WeToo.org and in her book, "Not Marked". If your partner's past is affecting your present, our therapists at Therapevo can help. We specialize in couples counseling and trauma-informed care. Book a free, confidential 20-minute consultation today at https://therapevo.com/trauma-therapy/childhood-sexual-abuse-trauma-therapy/