Long-Term Consequences

The impact of child sexual abuse does not end when the abuse stops. The long-term effects are far reaching and can interfere with day-to-day functioning. Each individual’s experiences and reactions are unique which suggests child sexual abuse is a risk factor for a wide range of subsequent problems.

Child sexual abuse violates the trust at the core of a child’s relationship with the world (Walker,1994). When the primary relationship is one of betrayal, a negative set of beliefs develop often affecting the survivor’s capacity to establish and sustain significant attachments throughout life.

Numerous studies have explored the relationship between childhood trauma and health concerns later in life. Research (Spila, Makara, Kozak & Urbanska, 2008) and (Draper et al., 2007). found that long-term common responses to child sexual abuse may include:

  • low self-esteem
  • guilt, shame and blame
  • depression
  • anxiety disorders
  • revictimization
  • lack of trust
  • dissociation/loss of connection
  • addictions
  • eating disorders
  • problems with sexuality and intimacy
  • suicidal behavior

Survivors often experience conflictual relationships, chaotic lifestyles, difficulty forming adult intimate relationships, and display behaviors that disrupt close relationships (Henderson, 2006).