Women who have been sexually betrayed by their husband justifiably imagine that perhaps if they improved their appearance, their husband would not have betrayed her. Many victims wonder, “does betrayal cause body image issues?”

This tragic effect of betrayal and abuse is difficult but possible to overcome. Understanding this issue can help victims of betrayal find healing and begin their journey to peace and safety. 

Why Does Betrayal Cause Body Image Issues?

Betrayal attacks a woman’s sense of self-worth, affecting her physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

These types of betrayal will inevitably injure a woman and cause body image issues that are no fault of her own:

• A husband’s use of pornography
• Emotional, physical, or virtual affairs
• Verbal and emotional abuse
• Masturbation and fantasizing by the husband
• Sexual coercion and other abusive behaviors

How Sexual Betrayal Can Cause Body Image Issues

Part of betrayal is the verbal and emotional abuse a husband uses to hide or justify his betrayal. His verbal and emotional abuse can also shatter a woman’s self-perception. One victim shared her experience of how her husband’s betrayal affected her body image:

My ex calmly confessed he had lied every time he called me beautiful. He said I wasn’t beautiful and couldn’t pretend anymore.

I told him, ‘That’s not true. I am beautiful.’

His response was, ‘Well, your personality is ugly.’

This hurt more than anything because it felt like he truly despised me, disregarding any appreciation for me as a person.

When Betrayal Causes Body Image Issues, Women Blame Themselves

Tragically, many victims will blame themselves for their partner’s betrayal and abuse. Often, this self-blame comes in the form of “if I were more/less ___”. The simple truth is that you cannot cause, control, or cure the abusive and sexually perverse behaviors of your partner.

We believe that every woman is beautiful and important. Especially you. No matter how you have been treated, what you have endured, or how long the abuse and betrayal have been going on, you are a beautiful woman, worthy and deserving of love and respect.

Our BTR.ORG Group Sessions meet daily in every time zone and offers women the opportunity to connect with other victims as they process trauma, share their stories, express hard feelings, and ask important questions. 

To find out if what you’re experiencing is the type of betrayal that would cause body image issues, enroll in The Betrayal Trauma Recovery Living Free Workshop.