Child sexual abuse has both immediate and delayed effects. Children not only suffer physically and mentally while the abuse is occurring but also psychologically for years to come. Understanding the long-term effects of abuse underlines the importance of prevention as well as healing for survivors. Child sexual abuse should not be discounted as a minor problem. Ignoring or trivializing instances can compound the impact of abuse and may delay or prevent much needed healing.
Lasting Affects
• Victims often suffer serious and fundamental psychological impacts1
• It is a highly traumatic experience that strongly influences the victim’s mental state, perhaps in ways that do not relate directly to the abuse2
• Many survivors find it difficult to trust others and form healthy relationships into adulthood1
• Without proper treatment and healing, survivors of sexual abuse may feel negative impacts for the rest of their lives3
Expressions of Pain
• Abuse survivors are more likely to become involved with drugs and alcohol1
• May become depressed and experience low self-esteem4
• Are more likely to develop eating disorders5
• Are more likely to commit crimes than those who were not abused at all6
• Appear inappropriately sexually active or aware1
The Need To Heal
• Survivors can experience problems in relationships for years after the abuse ends7
• Most survivors respond well to treatment2
• Those who do not receive treatment or support tend to feel more drastic effects of abuse2
• Finding proper help as soon as possible can speed the healing process and lessen the survivor’s suffering1
1 American Psychological Association.
“Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: Education, Prevention, and Recovery.” (2001). 19 April 2008
http://www.apa.org/pubs/info/brochures/sex-abuse.aspx
2 Child Welfare Information Gateway, Children’s Bureau.
“Parenting the Sexually Abused Child: Factsheet for Families.” (1990). 21 April 2008
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/f_abused/index.cfm
3 Dominguez, R.Z., Nelke, C.F. and Perry, B.D.
Child Sexual Abuse. Encyclopedia of Crime and Punishment. Vol. 1.
Ed. David Levinson. Sage Publications: Thousand Oaks, 2002. 18 April 2008
Click here
4 American Humane Association.
“Child Sexual Abuse” fact sheet. (2007). 17 April 2008
http://www.americanhumane.org/children/stop-child-abuse/fact-sheets/child-sexual-abuse.html
5 Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Sexual Violence Prevention, Scientific Information: Consequences.” (6 May 2008). 18 April 2008
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/dvp/SV/svp-consequences.htm
6 Widom, Cathy Spatz.
From the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department
of Justice. “Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse – Later Criminal Consequences.” (March 1995).
21 April 2008
http://www.ncjrs.gov/txtfiles/abuse.txt
7 Bogorad, Barabara E.
From the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. “Sexual Abuse: Surviving the Pain.”
(1998). 21 April 2008
http://www.aaets.org/article31.htm
