This is a crisis for the user, the partner and the relationship. If the user is involved in sexually compulsive behaviors, the need for boundaries is very important to both partners. It is extremely helpful for victims to be with others experiencing similar issues in their lives by lessening feelings of isolation. Establish a check up time. This can also include scheduled phone contact.
Depression often hits weeks after the disclosure, when shock wears off and implications sink in.
These wounds are deep and healing takes a great deal of time. Consider a period of sexual abstinence until the victim is comfortable believing the using partner is seeking help and discontinuing destructive behaviors. If the using partner admits or is suspected of acting out sexually with others, consider being tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Learn the financial situation by checking bank statements, credit card accounts, cable bills, to see if sexually explicit materials have been purchased. If the using partner's behaviors are seem compulsive or violent the victim may be risking domestic violence or sexual assault.