effects

Children who have been sexually assaulted or abused react in different ways. Below is a sample of ways that children may respond to their trauma:

Emotional or psychological harm:

• Behavioral problems
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Confusion about identity
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping

A loss of trust:

Victims of abuse may have trouble forming close relationships.

Feelings of guilt:

The victim may need professional help to realize that he or she is not to blame for the abuse.

Physical harm:

• Injury to the genital area
• Painful urination or stomachaches
• Sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS

Self-destructive behavior:

Some children may feel they should ?pay? for their involvement in the abuse. They make turn to sexual ?acting out,? prostitution or abuse of alcohol or other drugs. They may even commit suicide

Sexual problems:

Victims of sexual abuse may develop unhealthy attitudes about sex. It may be difficult for them to find satisfying relationships later in life.

A loss of self-esteem:

Many victims of abuse feel worthless and unlovable. It can affect their performance in school or at work, and their personal relationships.