Childhood sexual abuse is a type of abuse that involves sexual behavior between an adult and a minor or between minors where the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include a wide spectrum of both touching and non-touching behaviors such as fondling, masturbation, exposing a child to pornography, voyeurism, exhibitionism, oral sex, and vaginal or anal penetration. Children of all ages, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can experience sexual abuse. Abusers of childhood sexual abuse can be anyone including parents (either sex), family members, friends, teachers, pastors, nuns, doctors, and even strangers. According to the CDC, someone known and trusted by the child or child’s family members, perpetrates 91% of child sexual abuse.
Although the actual prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is unknown, there are many survivors who go through life and never open up and share their stories. The information we do have on the occurrence of childhood sexual abuse is deeply concerning and alarming. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will experience sexual abuse before the age of 18. These statistics make clear that this issue needs to be addressed and taken seriously. Providing resources and support for survivors is of utmost importance.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of childhood sexual abuse are individual based but can include a range of both emotional and behavioral reactions. Certain red flags to look are changes in behavior such as anxiety, depression, an increase in nightmares, angry outbursts, withdrawal, fear of being left alone with a particular individual(s), trust issues, and sexual knowledge or behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age. It is also important to note that while yes many children who experience sexual abuse will show tell-tale changes in their behavior, many others do not. This shows that we cannot just solely focus on detection as prevention and communication are key factors as well.
Childhood sexual abuse can have lasting effects on the brain, as it is a risk factor for the development of psychopathology and can have a negative impact on both brain development and functionality. This can lead to changes in the structure and function of various parts of the brain such as the hippocampus which is responsible for memory and learning, the prefrontal cortex which is in charge of both planning and decision making, and changes in how the brain processes emotions which is controlled by the amygdala.
Long-Term Consequences
The long-term consequences in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse face can be both challenging and devastating. It can take a toll on many aspects of a survivor life. Mental health problems that can stem from childhood sexual abuse include depression, anxiety disorders, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, and psychosis. Substance abuse as well as sexual disturbances may also be common among survivors. It has been shown that those who experienced childhood sexual abuse are about 2.5 times more likely to make a suicide attempts than people who have not been abused. Physical health issues may also be experienced including chronic pain, gastrointestinal problems, gynecological problems, stroke, heart disease, etc. In addition, socioeconomic consequences that have been found as a result of childhood sexual abuse include being less likely to go to, or graduate from college, be less likely to have a skilled job, be 14% more likely to be unemployed in general, and earn on average $8000 less per year than adults that did not experience abuse as a child.
Due to the severity of consequences survivors face, taking steps in preventing childhood sexual abuse to the best of our ability is of such importance and needs to be prioritized. Parents and caregivers can help by taking an active role in their children’s lives, staying on top of who has access to their children, and by being educated on the warning signs and symptoms of sexual abuse. Organizations, teams, and institutions that work with children should have policies in place to help prevent sexual abuse, and if abuse is suspected to respond appropriately and effectively. Lastly, for survivors of childhood sexual abuse it is vital that there provided with accessible resources and support options to help them through their healing journey so they can go on to lead potentially fulfilling lives which they so desperately deserve.
Resources
There are potential Social Security disability benefits available for individuals who are dealing with the mental and physical consequences that can occur because of childhood sexual abuse.
The link below is a quick and helpful resource to apply online for social security benefits:
Apply Online for Disability Benefits (ssa.gov)
The two links below offer both resources and support to survivors of sexual abuse including children:
RAINN | The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization