The Effects of Sexual Abuse

The effects of rape and childhood sexual abuse have many similarities. Those who have been sexually abused suffer behavioral and psychological problems. Short-term effects usually occur immediately or within 2 years of the abuse. Many times the child or adolescent will not discuss the abuse for many years later or into adulthood for fear of repercussions. Problems associated with childhood sexual abuse are long- or short-term, and can range from mild to severe. Guilt, shame, and embarrassment are just some of the issues victims of sexual assault will carry with them for a lifetime. Many times sexual trauma will cause an inability to form intimate relationships.

Short-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rape

Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused and rape victims may experience short-term effects such as nightmares, flashbacks, and other memories of the trauma. Other short-term effects of childhood sexual abuse and rape include, but are not limited to, poor performance at school, social difficulty, withdrawal from social activities, repressive behavior, eating disorders, and acting out. According to the American Psychological Association (2001), Children and adolescents may develop fears and anxiety relating to the opposite sex or display inappropriate sexual behavior. Various life changes occur after a sexual assault; substance abuse, loss of self-esteem, and other emotional issues.

Many times children and adolescents will become self-destructive, turning to cutting behaviors, mutilation, and suicidal ideation. Children and adolescents of sexual abuse, as well as rape victims, may experience anger, rage, and other self-defeating destructive behaviors, often using self-blame as the reason for the assault. Rape victims are more likely to experience sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy but can be a small possibility for childhood sexual assault victims as well. Psychological problems for children of sexual abuse tend to become long-term and last well into adulthood.

Long-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rape

Depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and dysfunctional relationships may continue into adulthood. “Childhood sexual abuse robs children of their childhood and creates a loss of trust, feelings of guilt and self-abusive behavior” American Humane Association (2011). Anti-social behavior is common after childhood sexual abuse and rape however, on rare occasions the victim may try to hide their feelings by aggressively seeking other social outlets. According to the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN) (2009), Post-traumatic stress disorder, Stockholm syndrome, dissociative identity disorder, and borderline personality disorder can all result from sexual trauma. These psychological disorders can cause other significant problems, resulting in less satisfaction in life. Other long-term effects such as sexual dissatisfaction, identity confusion, homosexuality, and promiscuity can last a lifetime if treatment is not sought.

References

Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), (2009). Effects of sexual assault. Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.rainn.org.

Education Resources Information Center (1988). J. A. Esper and C. J. Runge. Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.eric.ed.gov

American Humane Association (2011). Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet. Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.americanhumane.org

U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. A review of the short-term effects of child sexual abuse. J.H. Beitchman, K. J. Zucker, J. E. Hood, G. A. DaCosta, D. Akman. Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

U. S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. A review of the long-term effects of child sexual abuse. J.H. Beitchman, K. J. Zucker, J. E. Hood, G. A. DaCosta, D. Akman, and E. Cassavia. Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

American Psychological Association (2011). What are the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse? Retrieved September 28, 2011 from www.apa.org

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