Definition: A sexual abuse trigger is an emotional or physical reaction to something in the present that is connected to your past abuse. When you are in the midst of a trigger, you may not be able to distinguish the past from the present. You may have images or memories of the abuse. A trigger can be anything from a certain smell to someone touching a certain part of your body. It is important to understand what your triggers are so you can heal from them.
Next Term: Sexual Orientation
