What Could Be Done to Help Limit the Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse for the Victims?

Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses their power to involve a child in sexual activity. This abuse can be physical, verbal and emotional and can include rape, incest or showing pornographic films to a child. More than fifty percent of the children who have been sexually abused show signs that are similar to post traumatic stress disorder.1 There are many long-term effects that a victim of child sexual abuse can obtain if they don’t receive help. These effects include depression, low self-esteem, social isolation, trust issues and fear of intimacy. All these effects can be limited if the victim had received counselling either as a child or an adult. Also, having a child well educated about child sexual abuse will help limit the long-term effects. The Government of South Australia should also play a role in preventing the long term effects of child sexual abuse.

Children who have been sexually abused need immediate counselling to help limit the long-term effects of the trauma. In Australia, over 5,500 children are being sexually abused each year.2   Statistics show that only 34% of these victims seek counselling, leaving 3,630 children suffering the consequences alone. Child and adolescent psychiatrists and counsellors can help abused children regain a sense of self-esteem, cope with feeling of guilt from the abuse, and begin the process of overcoming the trauma. By attending counselling sessions, the victim can help reduce the risk of developing serious problems as an adult. But how does a counsellor actually help the victim? Each case of child sexual abuse is different, so it’s the counsellor’s job to listen to the child and find an appropriate approach to the situation. The counsellors can sense anger, guilt and emotional isolation when listening to the child. The child can either attend a private one on one session with the councillor, or group sessions with other victims. It is said that children may be very resilient and with a combination of... [continues]

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