Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses his or her authority to force or persuade a child to take part in sexual activities. A child is never capable of making a valid choice about appropriate sexual acts. Incest is sexual abuse by a family member.

Some of the most common effects of child sexual abuse are:

• Loss of Trust
• Poor Self-Esteem
• Negative Self-Image
• Emotional Deadness
• Feeling Responsible for the Abuse
• Guilt
• Difficulty with Close Relationships

There are many related emotional disorders associated with victims of child abuse. Because many victims do not disclose what has occurred, they are often left with severe emotions of anger, sadness, fear, that they are unable to express. Research has shown that there is a link between victims of abuse and sufferers of Eating Disorders, Self Mutilation and Anxiety Disorders.

However, with skilled intervention particularly with Person Centred Psychotherapy, a person who has experienced child sexual abuse can recover fully, and progress to have healthy relationships during their life.

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