Sequelae of sexual abuse in childhood

Pedophilia is a term we hear more and more. Although the authorities are aware of the situation, as members of society we cannot forget the consequences of sexual abuse in children. These crimes occur anywhere and encompass all social classes regardless of educational level, race or religion.

Sexual abuse of children is not a new phenomenon. It is something that is part of our history, a reprehensible fact that happens every day in homes, schools and spaces that on the surface may seem harmless to us. The impact that these realities can have on human beings are simply devastating.

It is known, for example, that the highest percentage of sexual abuse of minors originates from the father or stepfather and that the main victims are their daughters or stepdaughters.

However, there are also many cases where the rapist is another close family member; It is estimated that between 80% and 95% of sexual abuse of children occurs within the family.. Male children are also victims, although to a lesser extent.

The sexual development of children

One of Sigmund Freud’s most important and, at the same time, most controversial discoveries, was the verification that human beings are endowed with sexual drives from the moment of birth. Psychoanalysis revealed that children have sexual fantasies, desires and expressions. It is therefore something normal that matures over time.

Now, it should be noted that childhood sexuality is very different from adult sexuality.. This is obvious, given the physical, emotional and intellectual immaturity that accompanies it.

The child basically discovers his own body and the first pleasurable sensations when faced with certain stimuli. However, there is something more important that the child must discover and understand. Sexuality is a maturational process in which other people cannot participate until they reach an age. It is also not permissible for other adults as well as family members to cross that barrier.

It is important to make clear that Sexual abuse of children occurs when sexual contact occurs, consensual or not, between an adult and a minor. Also when that contact occurs between two children, if there is a difference of three years of age between them.

The aftermath of sexual abuse

The consequences of sexual abuse of a child vary from one case to another. It depends on many factors. Thus, in a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and carried out by doctors Valerie Edwards and George Holde, they tell us that the following factors must be taken into account:

The age the child was when the events occurred.The abused or aggressor (it is always more serious when the child was abused by his or her father or mother).The characteristics of the situation (degree of intimidation and/or violence or seduction). The duration of the abuse. The psychological characteristics of the victim.The way the situation was “resolved.”

In almost all cases it has been detected that short and long term consequences occur.

Short-term consequences

In the short term, the consequences of sexual abuse are most likely to be regressions to an earlier age: He may suck his thumb again, or lose sphincter control, for example.

It is also usual that the child becomes anxious and depressed. Their academic performance very frequently decreases and they may appear isolated or unsociable. Likewise, he can become seductive, show behaviors that are sexually advanced for his age or develop addictions and suicidal behaviors.

Long-term consequences

From the University of Toronto in Canada, they explain to us through a study the long-term effects of child abuse. Thus, the doctor Joseph Beitchman tells us that these damages are always more intense and lasting if the abuser was a close relative.

Most likely, they will occur trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares, in addition to a tendency towards depression and low self-esteem.

The greatest difficulties will be reflected in sexual and relationship life. Sexual phobias or an incomprehensible tendency to establish highly unsatisfactory romantic relationships may appear.

In the most serious cases, the consequences of sexual abuse include a strong predisposition to develop schizophrenia, to have suicide attempts, addictions or to develop highly dangerous promiscuous behaviors.

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse in childhood must inevitably be treated by a specialized psychologist to reduce the consequences of these events. So, One of the most common therapeutic processes is to accompany patients to reconstruct and rehabilitate their life history.

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