Sexual abuse in childhood leads to greater difficulty with adult relationships

https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/long-term-effects-child-sexual-abuse/interpersonal-outcomes

There is increasing evidence that children who have been abused, and in particular sexually abused, have greater difficulties with interpersonal relationships and especially trust compared with non-abused individuals. Given the betrayal of trust and violation of personal boundaries involved in child sexual victimisation, this is not surprising.

In addition, the secrecy and often the fear of exposure creates a sense of shame, guilt and confusion that disrupts the child’s “internal working model” according to which we all interpret the world. This affects how children and then adults understand and construe the motives and behaviours of others, and how they handle stressful life events.

Similar Posts