Long Term Effects of Sexual Abuse
Dear Angie,
I’m writing to you with a very sick heart. I just learned that my teenage daughter has been sexually-abused by a friend of the family. She’s currently receiving counseling for it, but I can’t help wondering how this crime will affect her development. What should I expect, and even more so, how can I help her? I feel so lost and sad.
Mary – Boise, Idaho
KenzieMc
Dear Mary,
Your heartache is understandable. The parent-child relationship is the strongest of all bonds. Her pain is your pain.
As you suspect, there could be some long-term effects from her sexual abuse. Every crime leaves a path of destruction behind, and the damage is as unique as the individual victim. The counseling your daughter is receiving should help, but for your information, I’ve included the following list of outcomes from sexual abuse.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): The National Institute of Mental Health defines PTSD as “an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal.” While commonly attributed to war veterans, PTSD can manifest itself from a variety of threatening instances. Nightmares, emotional numbness, and tension are just some of its many symptoms.
Addiction: Sexual-abuse victims tend to bottle up their emotions. Substance abuse is a quick and easy way to numb the pain.
Obesity: Like drugs, victims may also seek out food for emotional comfort.
Poor Relationship Skills: Victims of sexual abuse struggle with relationships. If they don’t refuse them all together, they seek them out desperately.
Other common effects of sexual abuse include (but are not limited to) insomnia, dissociative states, eating disorders, and suicide attempts.
As I said, each person is different, and the way they respond to such abuse will vary. Don’t let this list alarm you, as many victims of sexual abuse have moved on to lead prosperous, fulfilling lives. With proper care and attention, your daughter can grow into a thriving and happy woman.
My best to you,
Angie
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Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Residential Treatment center for at risk teen girls, young adult women, and their families. Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation
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