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Child sexual assault presents a serious risk to the survivor's mental health,
both during childhood and into adulthood. For many children, the effects
continue long after the abuse has ended and/or disclosure of the abuse.
Following is a list of some of the common behavioral and physical effects of
sexual abuse on a child. It is important to note that almost all of the
signs listed are general indicators that a child is under stress. A
child exhibiting these symptoms has not necessarily been sexually abused.
The symptoms are warning signs that require further inquiry.
The emotional consequences of abuse impact each child differently, depending
on a wide variety of factors, including the age of the child, the child's
relationship to the perpetrator(s), frequency of abuse, and specific
type of abuse. Some of the common feelings experienced by sexually
abused children include: guilt, betrayal, shame, self-hatred, fear, anxiety,
identification with the perpetrator, a need to maintain control, depression,
numbing of emotions, denial, distrust of self or others, rage, helplessness,
repression, confusion about sexual issues/identity/norms, alienation from
others, and loneliness.
This material was excerpted from Supporting Survivors of
Sexual Assault: A Journey to Justice, Health, and Healing. A
Publication of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in Collaboration
with The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
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