What is the impact of child sexual abuse?
FAQ Category:
Survivor
Increased likelihood of depression, substance abuse, sexually transmitted disease, promiscuious behavior, criminal behavior, and difficulties in adult relationships have all been associated with victims of Child Sexual Abuse. One study found that 80% of children who have been sexually abused have some symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). [1]
In addition to the emotional costs, one study found that sexually violent acts against children in the state of Minnesota alone (ages 0-14) cost $71 billion every year, or 61% of the cost of all violent crime for this age group. [2]
Learn More
- Is child sexual abuse really such a big problem?
- Warning Signs in Children and Adolescents of Possible Child Sexual Abuse
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[1] Shanta R. Dube, MPH, Robert F. Anda, MD, MS, Charles L. Whitfield, MD, David W. Brown, MSPH, MS,Vincent J. Felitti, MD, Maxia Dong, MD, PhD, Wayne H. Giles, MD, MS. Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Gender of Victim. Am J Prev Med 2005;28(5):430–438
[2] Miller, T., D. Taylor, and M. Sheppard. (2007) Costs of Sexual Violence in Minnesota. St. Paul: Minnesota Department of Health, Sexual Violence Prevention Program, Injury and Violence Protection Unit, Center for Health Promotion, Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division. http://www.health.state.mn.us/svp.