Sexual Assault And Brain Injury

When thinking of how sexual abuse and sexual assault can affect the brain, I find a certain analogy can be very helpful to illustrate the dramatic affect these crimes can have during a person's whole life.

Imagine the human brain as a tree. A young sapling (infancy and early childhood) beginning its growth is very fragile as it lays down roots (the foundation for future development). The first few shoots and branches show themselves and the young tree soon draws on its environment to help it grow.

When given ideal growth conditions, trees can produce magnificent canopies, strong and tall trunks, and beautiful foliage as they mature. But what if growth conditions are not ideal? What if there is one or a series of events that prevent the tree from growing as it would otherwise?