One of the least discussed of the patterns we carry is hypersexuality after abuse, especially when it arises from the fawn response, a lesser-known trauma reaction. When fight, flight, or freeze aren't options, some individuals learn to appease. This coping strategy, often developed during or after abuse or neglect, can manifest later in life as hypersexual behaviour. While often misunderstood or judged, hypersexuality in this context is not about desire, it's about survival - at least on one level.

"People often excuse a behaviour if there are extenuating circumstances.

We tend to forgive, downplay or simply ignore it, because we realise that the person doing the behaviour is going through something significant and therefore are ‘not themselves’ at the moment. But there has to be a balance here as mental illness is not an excuse for abusive behavior."