This April we have been focused on childhood sexual abuse (CSA), a crime that can cause long-term harm even as the child grows into adulthood. 1in 4 women and 1 in 6 men alive in the United States today were molested sexually before the age of 18. This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors in the U.S.
Today we will explore together the long-term effects that childhood sexual abuse has on, not only children, but to the adults they become.
A Short Recap
It would be remiss of me if I did not first give everyone a brief recap of what we have explored so far pertaining to childhood sexual abuse.
The actual prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is unknown because there are so many people who are victims and never tell their stories. Researchers have found and suggest rates that vary from 1% to 35% but most mental health and medical professionals rate childhood sexual abuse at 8% to 20%.
Although the prevalence of CSA varies, most professionals agree that there will be 500,000 babies born in the United States this year that will experience childhood sexual abuse before they turn eighteen years old.
CSA is any type of sexual activity between an adult and a minor or between minors when one forces the other to perform unwanted touches.
Sexual abuse includes both touching and non-touching behaviors such as exposing a child to pornography, exhibitionism, or photographing a child for sexual gratification later. It also includes the solicitation of a child for sex or prostitution, communicating with a child in a sexual fashion on the phone or the internet.
Sexual abuse occurs between a minor and a trusted adult but rarely with a stranger. Abusers can be parents (either sex), pastors, priests, nuns, teachers, doctors, a family friend, etc. (The Children’s Assessment Center)
The sexual abuse of a child is a crime against humanity.
How Does Childhood Sexual Abuse Affect Children?
Childhood sexual abuse causes great harm to children, a claim that is disputed among some circles who believe, erroneously, that children will simply outgrow any possible harm that was done to them.
There are both mental and physical changes that occur in a child victim of sexual violence.
Mentally, the child may become isolated, afraid all the time, and secretive. Sexually abused children may have nightmares, begin to soil themselves again after being potty trained, and develop post-traumatic stress disorder. These young children may also become depressed and attempt to die by suicide.
Physically, the child will experience changes in the brain, developmental delays, and maladjustment in school. The child who is sexually abused can experience internal injuries, begin menstruating early, and become pregnant way before they are mentally able to handle it.
A victim of childhood sexual abuse experiences anger, shame, and despair that often is directed inward causing huge problems such as impulsiveness, aggression, delinquency, hyperactivity, and substance abuse (Teicher, 2000; Finkelhor, 1986).
Brain Damage Caused by Childhood Sexual Abuse
When children are sexually molested, their bodies circulate stress hormones in response to fear and uncertainty. These hormonal changes ready their bodies for the flight/fight/freeze response. Unfortunately, because childhood sexual abuse is a chronic problem, meaning it occurs often, the stress hormones do not have a chance to return to baseline causing damage to vital regions of the brain.
The developing brains of children form many abnormalities including limbic irritability and underdeveloped and lack of differentiation of the left hemisphere of the brain as seen by insufficiencies in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus that affect the way memories are stored and retrieved.
Other abnormalities include deficient left to right hemisphere integration meaning there is a marked change during memory recall because of underdevelopment of the middle portion of the corpus callosum (the pathway connecting the two hemispheres of the brain.)
There is also abnormal activity in the middle strip between the two hemispheres of the brain, the cerebellar vermis. This brain region plays an important role in emotional and attentional balances plus regulates electrical activity inside the limbic system (Teicher, 2000).
How Does Childhood Sexual Abuse Affect Adult Survivors?
There is a myriad of different effects that childhood sexual abuse has on adult survivors later in their lives. These changes include both physical and emotional changes.
Physical health problems that survivors of CSA might experience include:
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Gynecological problems
- Stroke
- Hepatitis
- Heart disease
(Felitti et al., 1998; Sachs-Ericsson et al., 2009; Springer et al., 2007)
There are other diseases related to the auto-immune response as well that have been correlated with childhood sexual abuse. Also, in a review of the literature surrounding CSA and adults, survivors have a much higher incidence of medical problems as compared to their non-counterparts. Indeed, a meta-analysis of 34 studies found that childhood maltreatment is related to an increased risk of neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal illnesses.
Mental health problems caused by childhood sexual abuse include personality disorders, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, and psychosis.
An American representative study that was based on the National Co-morbidity Survey found that adults who had experienced childhood violence of any type were two and a half times more likely to have major depression and six times more likely to have post-traumatic stress disorder (Afifi et al., 2009).
Substance abuse is a huge consequence of surviving CSA. Many survivors use alcohol or drugs to bury their emotions so that they do not need to remember or face what happened to them in childhood.
Sexual disturbances are common among survivors of CSA with many survivors swinging in one direction or the other from disinterest and loathing of sex to promiscuity.
What Happens When CSA Does Not Hurt?
Some victims of childhood sexual abuse feel because they have not experienced the side-effects of their abuse they were not abused. The confusion comes from the fact that not all sexual assault of children is frightening or painful. Sometimes the abuse manifests in the form of a reward or is so gentle that the child does not understand what is happening to them is a crime.
The fact remains that children cannot choose to have sex with an adult or sibling because they have not the ability to understand the consequences to their actions. Children are always, always innocent victims when an adult or older child decides to sexually abuse them. So, no matter how the encounter felt, it was still illegal, immoral, and should never have happened.
Rounding it Up
Child sexual abuse is an epidemic that is a scourge upon humanity with so many children having their childhoods cut short. Victims of CSA have no responsibility for what happened to them as they are innocent children who do not understand what was being done to them.
There are some major damages done to the developing brains of children who experience CSA including mental, physical, and brain changes. Some of these changes are permanent and affect the children when they become adults.
We, as a society, must stand up and defend our children because if we do not this horrific crime against humanity will continue leaving the future of our society at risk.
“You can recognize survivors of abuse by their courage. When silence is so very inviting, they step forward and share their truth, so others know they aren’t alone.” ~ Jeanne McElvaney
“We aren’t the weeds in the crack of life. We’re the strong, amazing flowers that found a way to grow in the most challenging conditions.” ~ Jeanne McElvaney
References
Afifi, T., Boman, J., Fleisher, W., & Sareen, J. (2009). The relationship between child abuse, parental divorce, and lifetime mental disorders and suicidality in a nationally representative adult sample. Child Abuse & Neglect, 33, 139-147.
Felitti, V., Anda, R., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, F., Spitz, A., Edwards, V. et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction in many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4).
Finkelhor DA. A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications; 1986.
Sachs-Ericsson, N., Cromer, K., Hernandez, A., & Kendall-Tackett, K. (2009). A review of childhood abuse, health, and pain-related problems: The role of psychiatric disorders and current life stress. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 10(2), 170-188.
Springer, K., Sheridan, J., Kuo, D., & Carnes, M. (2007). Long-term physical and mental health consequences of childhood physical abuse: Results from a large population-based sample of men and women. Child Abuse & Neglect, 31, 517-530.
The Children’s Assessment Center. Child Sexual Abuse Facts & Resources. Retrieved from: https://cachouston.org/prevention/child-sexual-abuse-facts/
Teicher, M. H. (2000). Wounds that time won’t heal: The neurobiology of child abuse. Cerebrum, 2(4), 50-67.
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References
Afifi, T., Boman, J., Fleisher, W., & Sareen, J. (2009). The relationship between child abuse, parental divorce, and lifetime mental disorders and suicidality in a nationally representative adult sample. Child Abuse & Neglect, 33, 139-147.
Felitti, V., Anda, R., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, F., Spitz, A., Edwards, V. et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction in many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4).
Finkelhor DA. A Sourcebook on Child Sexual Abuse. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications; 1986.
Sachs-Ericsson, N., Cromer, K., Hernandez, A., & Kendall-Tackett, K. (2009). A review of childhood abuse, health, and pain-related problems: The role of psychiatric disorders and current life stress. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation, 10(2), 170-188.
Springer, K., Sheridan, J., Kuo, D., & Carnes, M. (2007). Long-term physical and mental health consequences of childhood physical abuse: Results from a large population-based sample of men and women. Child Abuse & Neglect, 31, 517-530.
The Children’s Assessment Center. Child Sexual Abuse Facts & Resources. Retrieved from: https://cachouston.org/prevention/child-sexual-abuse-facts/
Teicher, M. H. (2000). Wounds that time won’t heal: The neurobiology of child abuse. Cerebrum, 2(4), 50-67.
My name is Shirley Davis and I am a freelance writer with over 40-years- experience writing short stories and poetry. Living as I do among the corn and bean fields of Illinois (USA), working from home using the Internet has become the best way to communicate with the world. My interests are wide and varied. I love any kind of science and read several research papers per week to satisfy my curiosity. I have earned an Associate Degree in Psychology and enjoy writing books on the subjects that most interest me.
Where do I sign???
To join one of our wonderful programs simply go to the CPTSD resources tab and click on the program you would like to join. Welcome! Shirley
hi im looking for help. im older now, and alone, i have questions. thank you, bernard
Hi. I lived through child sexual abuse and I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Shirley
hi, i am wondering if there is aanything I can do to get my abuser to shit his pants. Legally. I am mad, frustrated, alone, and everytime i read a abuse story, or hear a news report, i get more vengful. over the past three years I have asking family members if they know where he is at, and funny how all of the sudden, nobody in my family has seen or heard from him in the last two decades. funny that is about how long it been since the last time I saw him and his friend, partner, whatever. March graced me with luck and i found him. but instead of over reacting like i used to do, i sat and stared at the picture. i stared myself into deciding I was going hurt him in a way that is really going to hurt, his back pocket. I remember how he always used to brag about how much money he has and how much he’s going to have. if the law isn’t going be on my side, then, i want to show him i have never forgot, and i want to sue him. or something, i mean its not even really about the money. something has to give, its not fair he gets go on with life and have all he ever wanted, and i had to stuggle period. i have a lot to say and i cant do it alone anymore, nobody listens, nobody cares, and i hate everyvody. i want somebody to listen. and help me. i want him to know.
I understand your need to get revenge. I went through a phase where I wanted to sue my abuser and fantasized about hurting him. However, I realized the horrific pain I would suffer in a court having to rehash in detail what I accused him of doing. I felt I was worth keeping safe and didn’t go through with it. I decided the best revenge was to live and live well. I know that sounds corny and not nearly as satisfying in many ways, but it is the only answer. Your abuser intended to ruin your life but you don’t let him. Shirley
I have read what you wrote and I’m sorry but I have to disagree living well is one thing but knowing that he’s living well he’s got his picture posted on different blog sites and websites and got a smile and he’s enjoying his married life as a gay man it really bothers me because I can’t do that I can’t put my picture up there I can’t do the things that that I want to do that I still make me happy because I feel shame I feel like I’ve done something wrong enormous amount of guilt and I’ve been this way entire life. I can’t have relationships. I can’t do things the way things could’ve been. I’ve never married. I never had a house, I’ve never had a decent job, but a big part of it is this shame and guilt that I live with every day because of this guy and he doesn’t know how I feel. Or how I am because he’s never talk to me I saw him once and he completely ignore me he looked through me and when I turned around to say something to him him and his boyfriend or girlfriend whatever it was we’re gone and have not seen him since. I never got the chance to say anything. now I do want to say something because I’m no longer afraid of so I respect your comment and I appreciate your input but there’s got to be something I can do and if I have to do it on my own with nobody’s help then so be it thank you
I have been married for 30 years to a wonderful woman; she was abused by her father when she was growing up (I knew this while dating her). I fear the ‘underlying issue’ is rearing it’s very ugly head; and I don’t know how to handle.
As a husband I recognize that I am failing at properly knowing how to interact with my own wife. More details available. It is so very hard to know how to best communicate with my wife of 30+ years. I currently sleep on the floor in my office.
Savеd as a faѵorite, I really lіke your websіte!
Hi , I’m Elizabeth. I’m also a CSA survivor and blogger on this site. I like your blog Shirley. It is definitely true that trauma affects the brain. I have written two blogs on how trauma affects the brain and child development. They are pending but I think you can view them before they go live if you are interested in this field. I think that it explains a lot how I am and how my friends are.
Thank you very much, Elizabeth. I will indeed read your articles. Shirley
Hi, I’m not yet an adult but was molested as a child. I think it has affected my growth into sexual experiences(mentally) and I know not what to do
Go to another adult, such as your teacher or a school counselor, and tell. That is about all you can do at your age. Shirley
I’m a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. And for years I was unable to talk about it. And I developed a drug problem that not only was a bad coping mechanisms. But it also allowed my perpetrator to make themselves my victim. Due to the fact that when I got into trouble because of my addiction and ended up being sent to prison for stealing to be able to obtain the drugs that I had become addicted. And when I was released I went into a inpatient rehab facility. While I was there the person who had molested me became concerned about what I was talking about during my counseling and basically told on themselves. When I returned home I tried to talk about it beings they had told everyone that I was telling the treatment facility I was molested to make a excuse for using drugs and getting into trouble. I immediately realized that in order to prove the truth I was going to have to drag another female family member whom I had witnessed being assaulted also when we were little. And it was going to tear my little brother and sister apart and devaste them. And they were the absolute most important people in the world to me. And I could not hurt them. I refused to and I never tried to talk about it again. Even though I knew that behind closed doors I was spoken about and I was the drug addict that told a lie about being molested to blame someone else for my drug problem. And even though it forever changed my relationship with my little brother and sister also. I wouldn’t allow them to be hurt. I have lived with PTSD because of it. But I have been through years of cognitive therapy and light therapy and was on medication. I had obtained relief from my PTSD symptoms and was able to discontinue the meds. Unfortunately my abuser was married to a woman who worked at the courthouse and so did her daughter and I was unaware of how long and they had told those who they were working with how I was a terrible person and addict and I lied about being molested and even though I was sober for 24 years. They spoke as if I never got sober even though I raised two children who have never known me to use drugs ever. But because of this the police in the area new me by name and constantly was pulling me over and I have had to get my car out of the impound 5 times and the non stop tickets started to make me look like a habitual offender that eventually did result in being convicted of a ticket and they worked every stop up into a search for drugs and it went on for years. Recently I had given a couple of people who I know a lift to their vehicle which was broken down. I was aware that one of them had a drug problem. But I had never seen them use. They left a jacket in the back seat and it rode in my car for three months. When I was pulled over and they managed yet again to tow the car and they conducted a search and the jacket had a small bag of drugs in it. And after 24 years of sobriety plus I have never been caught with drugs in my possession ever even though I did have a issue at one time. I am being treated and made out as if I have never done anything else but use drugs. It’s like the 24 years and everything I have done and that whole life I spent raising the kids and everything just never happened. And I can’t stop feeling like I am just paying still for the person who was the one who created the whole problem to begin with and I have spent my life trying to clean up the mess. And I can’t it’s like it has tentacles and they have penetrated in to my life in so many different places I am unable to even begin to keep it from affecting my life. And even after their death I am still having consequences. I don’t understand and I don’t know sometimes if I can keep it from eventually causing me perminant damage and hardship. I never imagined the insidiousness of the type of abuse I have been through. And I don’t know how to make it stop.