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I recently had the opportunity to listen to three women discuss the difficult and painful process of removing themselves from the world of pornography and sexual exploitation. It was difficult to listen to their stories of abuse, violence, and degradation. They spoke about the manipulation, deceit, and suffering they experienced for years. Each of them discussed how devalued they felt by the images being taken of them. They described taking drugs and alcohol in an effort to endure the pain of the sexual acts they were being asked to perform. Having to dissociate themselves from reality to cope with what was happening to them.

No they did not enjoy the torture they had to endure.

As I listened to their stories, it struck me. Pornography is a form of prostitution, rape and torture. It became clear to me that these women had become victims of an illusion. However, pornography doesn't limit itself to one group of victims alone - there are many people who are victims of porn.

Here is a list of four different groups of people who are harmed by your choice to watch pornography.

Porn Stars

There are currently millions of pornographic websites designed to provide consumers the idea that women enjoy what is happening to them in the videos. The pornographic videos portray the sex acts being performed as normal or what sex should be like.

In truth, pornography is an illusion, a trick, a lie and most importantly violent and abusive. While there are porn stars that make big money and appear to enjoy their lifestyle, most pornography is aggressive violence against women. In a recent study of the top 250 pornographic videos produced in 2004 and 2005, "88% contained physical aggression, principally spanking, gagging, and slapping, while 48% of the scenes contained verbal aggression, primarily name-calling."

Consumers

Once the videos and images have been doctored up and produced for mass consumption, then enters the second victims—the consumers both old and young.

Yes. Those who consume pornography are also victims of it. Most were first exposed at a very young age, which makes them more vulnerable for addictions. Researchers have found that "Teens' brains are more sensitive to dopamine and produce more DeltaFosB which makes them more vulnerable to developing addictions.

For this reason, if you watch, you too can become a victim. Even if consumption doesn't begin until later in life, in my research I found that "consistent exposure over an extended period of time is related to mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction.

Marriages

While many believe it is "just pornography" and that it is harmless entertainment, this simply isn't true. In my research with 1500 women, I found that more than 75% of the women felt violated. Many felt replaced by the images and videos and felt hopeless in trying to compete with the sexual material their husbands were viewing.

Those who view pornography often struggle with their spouse after discovery. Their sex life changes as sexual frequency declines and simultaneously arguing and fighting increases. Women feel betrayed and often exhibit signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Trust is lost and the foundation of safety and security in the relationship is lost. Sadly, divorce is a frequent outcome.

Children

The final victim of pornography is the children who are raised in homes where their mom and dad are disconnected and emotionally unavailable to support them due to the impact of his choice to watch pornography.

One woman described her response to discovering her husband's involvement in pornography this way, "I've taken to lying in the bed for the greater portion of each day everyday. I don't participate in family activities anymore at or away from home. Most of the time I spend with my four year old daughter is in my room while I'm lying in the bed." In her traumatized state of mind, this mother was not able to nurture her child.

I believe we should be discussing the harm pornography creates. The damage begins with abuse of women and ends with neglect of children. It harms everyone in its way. So please, before you choose to view pornography, consider its countless victims, including yourself.

Bloom specializes in providing online support and recovery for those involved unfaithful relationships. If you or someone you know needs help, Bloom may be a valuable resource for you. Click here to watch the video.