Personality of a sexually abused child

What is Child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is ANY ACT directed at a child by an adult for sexual pleasure
Sexually explicit talk or hint Exposure to sexual activity or pornography

Sexual touch or fondle

Rape or attempted rape

Why are Children easy targets?

Children are physically less powerful than adults.

Children are instructed to obey adults.

Children are provided very limited or no information on matters regarding sex and sexuality. Childrens questions relating to sex and sexuality are frowned upon. Preserving the family reputation

Who are the abusers?

They may be a male relative or an acquaintance. In many cases, it is the Uncle or the Father who violates his own child.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
are evident on the survivors body. Some of these are only present immediately after the rape while others only appear at a later stage.

Difficulty walking or sitting

Drug and alcohol use, abuse, and addiction Eating and sleeping disorders Early Pregnancy.

PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Bleeding and/or infections from tears or cuts in the vagina or rectum. A soreness of the body. There may also be bruising, grazes, cuts or other injuries. Sexual Transmitted Infections (STI) Pain in the lower back and/or in the stomach

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS
Things the survivor does, expresses or feels that are generally visible to others. This includes observable reactions, patterns of behaviour, lifestyle changes and changes in relationships.

Being restless, unable to relax or unmotivated.

Difficulty concentrating.
Not wanting to socialise.

Not wanting to be alone.

Shame, guilt and self-hatred

BEHAVIOURAL SYMPTOMS
Becoming easily upset by small things.(Sensitive)

Drop in school, occupational or work performance.

Increased substance abuse. Behaving as if the rape didnt occur, Denial. Suicide attempts. Self damage Distrust of others and themselves

PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Increased fear and anxiety. Nightmares

Self-blame and guilt.

Helplessness, no longer feeling in control of life. Humiliation and shame. Lowering of self esteem

Depression.
Becoming suicidal.

Anger
Losing hope in the future.

Teri Hatcher

Angelina Jolie

Marilyn Monroe

Oprah Winfrey

Tyler Perry

Richard Nixon

Victim, family, society and beyond

Victims are often too young to know how to express what is happening and seek out help. When not properly treated, this can result in a lifetime of PTSD, depression and anxiety. The trauma that results from sexual abuse is a syndrome that affects not just the victim and their family, but all of our society. Because sexual abuse, molestation and rape are such shamefilled concepts, our culture tends to suppress information about them.