The Effects of Sexual Abuse

PSY/265 Version 3
October 21, 2011

     When Bill Clinton spoke to the public in February 1998 and reiterated that he did not have sexual relations with Monica Lewinsky, he was sending a clear message that sexual harassment can and will be tolerated.  Actor and past Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger seamlessly got away with “groping, insulting, and intimidating female workers,” and the number of Catholic Priests involved in the sexual abuse of children is staggering (Rheuban & Gresen, 2011, para. 5).  Because of these and numerous other sexual related issues, it becomes possible to see why the United States is one of the top ten nations for rape and sexual assault (NationMaster.com. 2011).  But who is at risk of sexual abuse?  Although, most sexual abuse cases are perpetrated against women and children, men can also become victims of sexual abuse and assault. 

      The number of rape’s and child sexual abuse cases reported in The United States is on the rise (NationMaster.com., 2011).  “A woman is raped about every 7 minutes on average”, although this may be a low number when you consider many women do not report rape because of the humiliation involved (U.S. Department of Justice, 2003, as restated by Rathus and colleagues, 2005).  Rape can occur in a number of methods: stranger rape, acquaintance rape, date rape, gang rape, marital rape, and rape by women and is motived by anger, power, or sadistic reasons (Rathus et. al., 2005).  Whereas, child sexual abuse tends to follow a pattern of abuse.  Most sexual abuse is perpetrated by a family member, family friend, neighbor, or person of trust (e.g. teacher, priest, or doctor).  Although repeated abuse is typically done so by family members.  

Regardless of the method or reasoning behind sexual abuse the effects can be traumatic and long reaching.  Fear among rape victims is common as most do not believe they were going to live through the rape (Rathus et. al., 2005).  Rape can send an individual into crises as loss of control, shame, and even guilt take hold of the emotional processes.  Statistically these feelings heighten over the next several months then begin to subside (Koss et al., 2002, 2003, as restated by Rathus et. al., 2005).  However, many survivors experience severe and long-lasting effects such as psychological and health related issues.  Depression, substance abuse, and anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common in rape survivors.  Flashbacks of the incident, nightmares, and emotional distancing can persist for decades, although survivors who get support from family and counseling tend to fare better than those who remain alone and blame themselves.   

      Children rarely report sexual abuse themselves; fear of retaliation and blame keep them silent (APA, 2011).  When children are forced or coerces into sexual activities, he or she may go though periods of fear, withdrawal, and acting out.  Child sexual abuse includes more than just penetration, noncontact abuse, such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography can be just as devastating to a child as penetrative abuse.  Depression, anxiety, and guilt from sexual abuse “may also cause psychosomatic problems such as stomachaches and headaches” (Rathus et. al., 2005. p. 626).  Sexually abused children are also at greater risk of developing sexual dysfunctions as an adult.  Younger survivors, according to Rathus and colleagues, (2005), of childhood sexual abuse appear to fare better than do children in late adolescence and early adulthood.

     Prevention is the key to avoiding future sexual abuse, but in the meanwhile, only time can heal the wounds of sexual abuse.  Although, without the proper help for both the physical and psychological effects, the emotional damage will continue to resurface, regardless of who inflicted the abuse.  Until all the issues are dealt with the anxiety and depression caused by the assault can reoccur for decades (Rathus et. al., 2005).  Treatment of both physical and psychological symptoms of abuse may provide help from both the short-term and long-term effects such as fear, anxiety, and depression.  Whereas, teaching women and children how to protect themselves and what to look for in child sexual abuse cases is a key step in prevention.  If sexual abuse is suspected do not hesitate to contact someone that can provide assistance such as safe2tell® 877-542-SAFE(7233) or http://safe2tell.org/ or local enforcement agency's.

Resources:

APA (2011). Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: Education, Prevention, and Recovery. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pubs/info/brochures/sex-abuse.aspx#

srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/deny012798.htm

NationMaster.com (2011). Crime Statistics. Retrieved from http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_rap_percap-crime-rapes-per-capita

Rathus, S.A., Nevid, J.S., and Fichner-Rathus, L. (2005). Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. (6th ed.). Boston, M.A: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved from PSY/265 Version 3 Website

Rheuban & Gresen. ( 2011, May 19). Sexual harassment claims resurface in light of Schwarzenegger scandal. Retrieved from http://www.losangelesemploymentlaws.com/2011/05/sexual-harassment-claims-resurface-in-light-of-schwarzenegger-scandal.shtml