Child sexual abuse leads to psychological disorders: Literature review

Abstract

This scholarly paper explains the relationship between child sexual abuse and psychological disorders. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a forceful sexual contact with a child who is incapable of consenting. The impact of sexual abuse can range from physical to very severe psychological effects. Psychological disorders caused by child sexual abuse include panic disorder, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder. The phenomenon of child sexual abuse is shaped by some important theories like behavioral, psychodynamic, attachment, cognitive and integrated theory. These theories may help to develop a sound empirical base through which cost effective strategies can be made to prevent child sexual abuse. Although child sexual abuse is considered as an offensive act in Pakistan, but it is usually hidden in our society. Approximately 3,861 and 1,204 child sexual abuse cases were reported in 2012 and 2013 respectively from Pakistan. A series of current cases of child sexual abuse has brought the issue to the limelight. Child sexual abuse affects not only the individual but also the families and societies on large scale. Therefore, an integrated approach focusing on the parents, teachers and medical professionals can be proposed to prevent this issue. Prevention programs such as parenting education, home-visiting programs, public education, and training sessions can be developed. Therefore, it is highly important for the families and communities to work together with the support of stakeholders, so that a voice can be raised against CSA and this will ultimately reduce psychological problems in the society.