Child Abuse: An Overview
> Effects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual Abuse
A history of childhood sexual abuse leads to a lower health-related quality of life and a greater number of health problems, psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses. Research shows that survivors of childhood sexual abuse have "more medical problems, higher medical use, more physical symptoms, lower health status, and more medical procedures."
11 High levels of anxiety and depression in survivors of childhood sexual abuse can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse.
7 Because of the association between sexual behavior and pain and violation, survivors of childhood sexual abuse often develop problems with intimate relationships in general, including difficulties during sexual contact and dysfunctions of desire and arousal.
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In general, childhood sexual abuse is associated with a greater risk of:
Disturbances in sexual interest; Difficulties during sexual contact; Dysfunctions of desire, arousal or orgasm; Seductive behaviors, compulsive activity and prostitution; Precocious sexual behavior; Confusion of sexuality and nurturing behavior; Sexually transmitted diseases; Unintended pregnancy; Eating disorders; Excessive weight gain; Depression; Anxiety; Self-destructive behavior; Alcoholism; Drug abuse; Panic attacks; Insomnia and sleep problems; Relationship problems; Revictimization; Suicide; Self-mutilation; Increased risk for sexually transmitted disease; Identity disturbances; and Involvement in physically abusive relationships as adults.
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Child Abuse: Just One StoryChild Abuse Introduction |
Signs of Child AbuseChild Abuse Statistics |
It's Under ReportedEffects of Child Abuse on Children: Abuse GeneralEffects of Child Abuse on Children: Child Sexual AbuseInjuries to Children: Physical and Sexual AbuseEffects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood AbuseEffects of Child Abuse on Adults: Childhood Sexual AbuseDefinition of Physical Abuse |
Signs of Physical AbuseDefinition of Sexual Abuse |
Signs of Sexual AbuseDefinition of Child Neglect |
Signs of Child NeglectDefinition of Emotional Abuse |
Signs of Emotional AbuseAbusers |
PedophilesChild Physical Abuse and Corporal PunishmentTreatment for Child AbuseCosts to SocietyConclusionsReferencesState Child Abuse LawsNationwide Crisis Line and Hotline DirectoryNational Non-Governmental Organizations and LinksU.S. Government Organizations and Links