What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse is a sexual act imposed on a child who lacks emotional, maturational, physical and cognitive development. The crime of luring a child into sexual activities is sadly common because of the powerful and dominant position of the adult or older adolescent perpetrator. This is in sharp contrast to the child’s age, dependency, lack of knowledge, and subordinate position. Authority, power, corruption of affection, and (sometimes) force enable the perpetrator to easily coerce the child into sexual compliance.

How Common is Sexual Abuse?

• 25% of all adults have been sexually abused;
• Statistics suggest that as many as 1 in 4 children becomes a victim of sexual abuse by the time they reach 18 yrs of age;
• Up to 90% of sexual abuse of children is committed by someone the child knows;
• Approximately 10% of all victims reporting sexual abuse are boys, but probably more are abused; and
• A study of imprisoned sexual abusers of children revealed that, on the average, they each had molested over 230 victims.
• Among other things, this indicates how very easy it is for adults to molest children.

What Might I Experience as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse?

• Low self-esteem
• Inability to trust others
• Exaggerated willingness to remain in dysfunctional or abusive relationships
• Sexual dysfunction
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Eating disorders
• Distorted body image
• Flashbacks of the abuse
• Frequent nightmares
• Intruding thoughts
• Frozen or numbed emotions
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Self-abuse and self-deprivation
• Difficulty experiencing pleasure

What Can I do if I am a Survivor of Sexual Abuse?

Talk to supportive people. Find people who will be willing to listen to your thoughts and feelings related to the sexual abuse. The supportive other should be non-judgmental (not blaming you for the abuse, or telling you what to do or how to feel), able to listen to your feelings, honest, and willing to be there for you during the “rough times”. Begin therapy. Therapy can be a safe and supportive environment in which to explore your feelings and thoughts with a non-judgmental, caring person. A therapist can help you deal with the psychological effects of sexual abuse such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and flashbacks. Join a sexual abuse survivors group for sexual abuse counseling. In a group setting you have the opportunity to hear about the experiences of other survivors and share your experience with them. Support groups or therapy groups can be excellent places to talk about your feelings and experiences while receiving emotional support from others. NOTE: It is advisable to enter a support group only after you have progressed sufficiently in individual therapy or are currently involved in individual therapy or group therapy.