What are the possible effects of sexual trauma?
For Children: Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused can suffer a range of psychological and behavioral problems, from mild to severe, in both the short and long term. The initial or short-term effects of abuse usually occur within 2 years of the termination of the abuse. But the negative effects of child sexual abuse can affect the victim for many years and into adulthood. Some children may show symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, including agitated behavior, frightening dreams, and repetitive play in which aspects of the abuse are expressed. Children may also exhibit “regressive” behaviors (such as a return to thumb-sucking or bed-wetting), eating problems, and behavior or performance problems at school. Children may show sexual behavior or seductiveness that is inappropriate for their age. Some children, especially boys, tend to “act out” with behavior problems, such as cruelty to others and running away. Other children “act in” by becoming depressed or by wi
