Childhood sexual abuse includes a wide range of sexual behaviors that take place between a child and an older child or adult. Researchers estimate, that in our country, 1 out of 4 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. Childhood sexual abuse is a problem that often occurs in private. Childhood sexual abuse is difficult to detect because it often does not result in physical harm or evidence to the child, making it pretty hard to detect. Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse experience problems later on in their lives, when they are older. Some of the problems that children encounter while later on in life include:
-symptoms of PTSD: These include agitated behavior, frightening dreams, and repetitive play in which aspects of the abuse are expressed.
-inappropriate sexual behavior: Some effects include inappropriate behavior or having difficulty maintaining proper boundaries with others.
-“Acting Out:” As a result of abuse, children may display behavioral problems, including cruelty to others and running away.
-“Acting In:” Some other children can experience depression, or they will withdraw from friends and family. In other cases, some children may attempt to injure themselves while others may even try to commit suicide.
-symptoms of PTSD: These include agitated behavior, frightening dreams, and repetitive play in which aspects of the abuse are expressed.
-inappropriate sexual behavior: Some effects include inappropriate behavior or having difficulty maintaining proper boundaries with others.
-“Acting Out:” As a result of abuse, children may display behavioral problems, including cruelty to others and running away.
-“Acting In:” Some other children can experience depression, or they will withdraw from friends and family. In other cases, some children may attempt to injure themselves while others may even try to commit suicide.