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How to Stop Blaming Yourself After Sexual Abuse

Answered 14 October 2026 at 5:26 pm PKT

After a frightening experience like being touched on a crowded bus, it's common to replay the moment and wonder if you did something wrong. This page helps you understand why self-blame happens, especially when old childhood wounds resurface, and offers gentle steps to find peace.

After a stranger touched me inappropriately on a crowded bus, I keep feeling like I did something wrong and can't stop replaying it. I had a similar bad experience as a child, and now I'm afraid I'm using that to judge people unfairly. How can I stop blaming myself and find peace?

It is not your fault. The person who touched you inappropriately is the one who did something wrong, and what happened to you as a child was not your fault either. Many people blame themselves after something like this, but it is never your responsibility.

This is not your fault

What happened to you was not your fault, and it is not fair that you are feeling this way. You did not do anything wrong, and you do not deserve to feel guilty or ashamed. The person who touched you inappropriately is the one who did something wrong, and they are the one who should feel guilty. It is not your responsibility to make them feel better or to forgive them.

You are not judging people unfairly

It is natural to feel afraid and to be more cautious after something like this happens. You are not judging people unfairly, and you are not overreacting. You are just trying to protect yourself, and that is a good thing. It is important to trust your instincts and to be careful around people who make you feel uncomfortable.

How to find peace

It is important to talk to someone about what happened. You can talk to a friend, family member, or a professional counselor. Talking about what happened can help you to process your feelings and to start to heal. It is also important to be kind to yourself and to give yourself time to heal. You may feel like you need to rush through your feelings, but it is important to take your time and to be patient with yourself.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, it may be helpful to speak to a mental health professional. They can help you to process your feelings and to start to heal. You can find a list of mental health professionals in Pakistan on our website.

Remember, what happened to you is not your fault, and you do not deserve to feel guilty or ashamed. It is important to be kind to yourself and to give yourself time to heal. You are not alone, and there are people who care about you and who want to help you.

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Answered by the Depression.pk team
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