The Costly Impact of Sexual Assault and Childhood Sexual Abuse

Regretfully, the damage caused by sexual abuse and trauma often does not end once the abuse stops, but rather has lifelong implications on the health of survivors. Survivors of sexual assault are far more likely to suffer from a variety of mental health and substance abuse concerns including 3x more likely to become depressed and possibly suicidal, 6x more likely to develop PTSD, and 13x more likely to develop substance abuse problems.

Childhood sexual abuse, in particular, can have far reaching mental, emotional, social, and relational effects as a result of the significant disruption to many aspects of normal childhood development. Thus, similarly to adults, it puts children at a significantly higher risk for developing depression, anxiety, PTSD, drug and alcohol problems, as well as attempting suicide.

If a child confides in you about anything sexual, believe them - ALWAYS believe them. It’s better to believe and be wrong, than to deny it and be wrong.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text the crisis line at 988 for support now. ”

1 out every 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. Only 1 out of every 3 cases of abuse are actually reported, leaving two-thirds to suffer silently. Sadly, the effect of the abuse may be compounded at times when children who have the courage to report it are disbelieved or even blamed for the abuse.

If you discover or suspect an instance of childhood abuse, sexual or otherwise, it should be reported immediately to the state’s child protective agency (Department of Children and Families in Florida) and/or the police. Click here to file a report online today if you know or suspect a child is being abused.

Sadly, while survivors often feel alone in their struggle, the reality is that approximately 1 out of every 6 women and 1 out of every 33 men is a victim of rape over the course of their lifetime3.

We can help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of sexual trauma, please reach out. We offer trauma therapy with CBT Therapists in Orlando and online throughout the state of Florida. Call today or send us your info and we’ll reach out for a free consultation to see if one of our therapists would be a good fit.