Effects of Abuse
The impact of sexual abuse can range from no apparent effects to very severe ones. Typically, children who experience the most serious types of abuse – abuse involving family members and high degrees of physical force – exhibit behaviour problems ranging from separation anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Being abused as a child may have serious and long-lasting effects on a person. Such effects can include:
- Loss of confidence, dignity and self respect
- Low self-esteem and poor self-worth
- Loss of hope for the future
- Adverse effects on both physical and mental health
- The inability to trust others even close family and friends
- The inability to relax and enjoy life
- Loss of innocence and childhood
- Anxiety, guilt and fear
- Sexual dysfunction, withdrawal, and acting out
- Difficulties in relating to the opposite sex.
And may also lead to:
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Obsessive behaviour and strict routines
- Anxiety states
- Self-harming e.g. cutting, scratching or burning
- Depression and suicide.
Those who have been abused may feel they are different to other people: that in some way they have been stained or contaminated: that they respond differently to other people. They may struggle to cope with close, intimate relationships. This is because sexual abuse happens within a relationship, and can affect their ability to relate to others.
A lot of survivors feel the need to speak to someone about the effects child sexual abuse has had on their lives. Your feelings are as individual as you are - no two survivors will feel exactly the same. Talking to someone can help the healing process.
No matter how long ago you were abused, your feelings about what happened to you are important. You have the right to be listened to, no matter what you want to say. Through speaking about your abuse you may well be able to overcome any difficulties that you experience as an adult.
To speak to someone about your abuse or to access specialist services in your area, please call 08458 12-12-12