Childhood Sexual Abuse

Research Paper # 95531

Child, Youth Issues > Child Abuse
Psychology > Child and Adolescent
Psychology > Disorders

This paper discusses the long-term effects and treatment of childhood sexual abuse.

2,596 words () | 15 sources | APA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer discusses that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most traumatic and devastating crimes in society today. The writer maintains that although the intensity of its effects may diminish as a survivor works through the recovery process, the long-term effects of CSA may last forever and leave an impression on many aspects of a survivor's life. The writer points out that there are several psychological disorders linked to CSA and multitudes of different therapies and treatments for the effects felt by survivors. The writer concludes that hopefully, with direction, survivors of abuse can be led to a professional who will be able to help them manage their past issues, so as to help them function effectively in the present.

From the Paper:

"Studies have suggested that one in three girls in the United States will experience some form of sexual abuse by the age of eighteen. The effects of this abuse will be long-term and all encompassing. Often times the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) can lead to mental illness, binge eating disorders, and/or substance abuse. Once mental illness strikes in the life of CSA survivors, they must find ways to seek help out in the community, whether that is individual or group therapy or alternative forms of therapy. Although both males and females can be victims and perpetrators of CSA, for the purposes of this paper, victims will be referred to as female and perpetrators will be referred to as male, as is most often the case."

Sample of Sources Used:

Administration for Children and Families (2001). National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Glossary.
American Academy of Pediatrics (2005). Guidance for the clinician rendering pediatric care: The evaluation of sexual abuse in children. Psychology Today, 116(2), 506-512.
American Psychiatric Association (1999). Characteristics of depressed patients who report childhood sexual abuse. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(3), 431-437.
American Psychiatric Association (1999). Childhood sexual abuse as a risk factor for depression in women: Psychosocial and neurobiological correlates. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156, 816-826.
American Psychological Association (2005). A life history assessment of early childhood sexual abuse in women. Developmental Psychology, 41(3), 553-561.