Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Victims

The damages caused by child sexual abuse last a long time without the proper healing. Dr. Phil explains the impact on victims:

Damage to self-concept/self-esteem, feeling “dirty,” or like “damaged goods”
Feelings of guilt, shame, despair and anger
Belief that sexuality/physicality is “all I have to offer”
High risk of promiscuity, hyper-sexuality, sexual identity problems or negative sexual encounters
High risk of teen pregnancy
High risk of aggressive and suicidal behavior
High risk of substance abuse and other acting out or high-risk behavior
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Disrupted sleep patterns and nightmares
Regression to more infantile behavior (bed-wetting, etc.)
Problems with memory, cognition and attentiveness
Change in appetite or eating behaviors
Inability to trust others
Controlling behaviors or involvement in exploitative relationships
Powerlessness, vulnerability and avoidant responses, such as running away
Tendency to withdraw from relationships and society
A fear of intimacy or commitment
Paranoia/hyper-vigilance/phobias
Re-victimization
Higher incidence of mental and emotional disorders, such as anxiety, depression or eating disorders