Why We Need to Talk about Women’s Struggles with Pornography

Disclaimer: All articles published with the section of Commentary are the opinions of the respective authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Cor Chronicle.

Most people today are aware that nine out of 10 boys are exposed to pornography in their teenage years. People constantly discuss this and similar statistics as they fight the pornography epidemic that is taking over the younger generations of men. We even have a Fight Club to support men struggling with chastity and pornography on campus. 

However, most people are unaware that according to The National Center on Sexual Exploitation’s article from Aug. 2022, 83% of women have seen pornography mostly from online sources, and almost a quarter are exposed before the age of 13. People do not talk about the struggles of pornography for women as frequently as those for men. Until recently, the University of Dallas did not have any sort of organized assistance for women struggling with chastity issues. 

Although people do not talk about it as often, women’s struggles with pornography are just as real and difficult as men’s, and the percentage of women struggling is only growing. Pornography is deeply hurtful for everyone exposed to it, and while there are many resources to help men, women have not received as much attention from society. 

Part of the reason why resources for women are fewer in this area is because of the deeply rooted idea that women do not struggle with pornography, or if they do, it is out of the ordinary. While it is true that a higher percentage of men struggle with this addiction, the women who do suffer can feel very isolated. 

Women often feel that they are unable to speak about their struggles with pornography because there is a consensus, especially in religious circles, that a woman being addicted  is almost worse than a man having the same struggles. There is a stigma around women’s struggles with chastity that leads many to struggle on their own. 

The silence of the Catholic community on the reality of women with pornography addictions can cause people who are in the middle of a battle with sexual temptation to feel alone, undeserving of forgiveness and of love. There is a need for more resources for women who are struggling with pornography addictions so that no woman has to fight alone. As Catholics, we have an obligation to reach out a hand and help others get back on their feet. 

A League of Her Own is a new club on campus that is beginning this year after building awareness last year through posters around campus. Its whole purpose is to create a safe environment and community for women looking to free themselves from sexual struggles. For any women struggling with sexual sin, addiction or wounds, just look for the A League of Her Own posters around the school and scan the QR code to schedule meetings with Shelby Ponikiewski in campus ministry. You are not alone. 

Bio: Aine O’Brien is a junior English major. She is an officer for A League of Her Own and a Blessed is She mentor.