Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

¶ … Sexual abuse [...] long- and short-term effect of child sexual abuse, future self-esteem issues, future drug abuse, effects on future relationships, and future repetitive behavior. The problem of child sexual abuse does not end when the abuse ends. The affects of sexual abuse on children are wide-ranging and often last a lifetime. This is only one reason that child sexual abuse must be curtailed. Children may be abused only once, but the effects of that abuse can color their outlook forever.

Child abuse may be much more prevalent than many people believe. One expert estimates as many as one-quarter of all children in America are sexually abused (Miltenberger and Roberts 84). More sexual abuse has been reported in the last two decades, which accounts somewhat for this high figure, and there are many forms of abuse that are now considered sexual, including: touching or grabbing a child inappropriately, showing body parts to the child, fondling the child, hugging, kissing, or touching inappropriately, and attempted or successful sexual intercourse. Any or all of these types of abuse can leave lasting marks on a child. Even more disturbing is the estimate that average abuse begins between the ages of seven and nine (Miltenberger and Roberts 84). Clearly, childhood sexual abuse is more widespread than many believed, and it begins early enough that many children will bear lasting scars from their early experiences. Much research has shown that the biggest factor in childhood sexual abuse may be an unhappy home life. These researchers note, "Although a variety of factors can contribute to an "unhappy" home, some factors that may contribute include families separated by divorce, families with only one natural parent, or families in which there is discord" (Miltenberger and Roberts 84). Sadly, research also shows that the more severe the abuse, the more symptoms that show up during childhood, and remain during adulthood.

Probably the most common result of childhood sexual abuse is depression, in both children and adults. This depression often manifests itself in feelings of self-loathing, self-abuse, and even thoughts of suicide. Self-esteem is often lower in adults who experienced sexual abuse as children, and they often have feelings that they are less worthy, less attractive, and less competent than others are. These feelings can also lead to depression, and so the cycle continues like a whirlpool, with self-esteem issues leading to depression, etc. Many victims also feel they were somehow responsible for the abuse, and this can lead to self-esteem issues and depression. Studies show, "There is now an established body of knowledge clearly linking a history of child sexual abuse with higher rates in adult life of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders" (Mullen and Fleming). Thus, numerous mental problems can result from childhood sexual abuse, and if untreated, these problems can consume and ruin adult lives.

Sadly, childhood sexual abuse can lead to difficulty with relationship in adulthood, especially romantic relationships. Child molestation and abuse involves a betrayal of trust for the child, and it makes them much more vulnerable to adults (Mullen and Fleming). Victims often have problems with intimacy developing relationships. They also have problems trusting people, and in developing long-term, meaningful relationships with others, especially those of the opposite sex. Often this insecurity in relationships can lead to divorce, separation, or a total lack of meaningful, trusting, and loving relationships in victims' lives.

Another lasting effect of childhood abuse can be alcohol abuse in childhood and beyond. In fact, one report states, "Research into the relationship between child sexual abuse and alcohol abuse began with reports that clients with substance abuse problems reported high levels of exposure to child sexual abuse" (Mullen and Fleming). Thus, abuse in childhood can often manifest itself far later in the victim's life, endangering their health and well being. Alcoholism can lead to a variety of mental and physical illnesses, and can even lead to early death in extreme cases. Clearly, this is a complex issue, as not all those who suffer childhood sexual abuse develop substance abuse problems in later years. Again, it depends on the circumstances, and the victim's own reaction to them. However, it is also clear that childhood abuse can lead to a variety of long-term complications that continue into adulthood, and can last a lifetime.

Not surprisingly, childhood sexual abuse can lead to a number of sexuality issues in adulthood. Many victims will be unsure of their own sexuality and attractiveness, and allow this uncertainty to color their sexual relationships. Some victims may find sexual relationships unsatisfying, while others may actually increase their sexual activity, or turn to perverse sexual activities. One study found "there was also evidence for an association between a history of child sexual abuse and an earlier age of entering the first cohabitation and an earlier age at first pregnancy" (Mullen and Fleming). Thus, childhood sexual abuse can lead to atypical sexuality in adult life, both satisfying and non-satisfying. Many of the sexual problems associated with childhood abuse depend on the age of the child and the nature of the abuse (i.e., actual sexual penetration as opposed to touching, kissing, fondling, etc.). Many studies have shown that the younger the child is abused, and actual penetration adds to heightened problems with sexuality in adulthood.