Impact Of Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Assessment of Sexual Abuse and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in High Schools, Nekemte Town, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia, 2017

Background: Adolescent’s sexual abuse is any interaction between adolescents and an adult (or another adolescent) in which the adolescents is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching and non-touching behaviors. Abusers often do not use physical force, but may use play, deception, threats, or other forms of coercion to engage adolescents and maintain their silence. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of adolescents sexual abuse among adolescents in high school, Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods: School based cross sectional study was conducted in high school of Nekemte town, using systematic random sampling technique from March 1st to 15th, 2017. Data was collected from 377 adolescent students using structured, pre tested and self-administered questionnaire. After data collection, data was cleared, coded, checked and entered in to computer software SPSS version 20.0. Univariate, analysis was performed for frequency and percentage. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with sexual abuse and these factors were taken in to multivariate analysis with 95% confidence interval. Result: Among study participants involved in the study 126 (33.4%) were sexually abused at least once in their life time and the remaining 251 (66.6%) were not sexually abused. Factors of sexual abuse associated significantly were grade attending, Fathers occupation and Mothers’ education and occupation positively associated with sexual abuse of adolescents while drinking alcohol and had sexual intercourse associated inversely. Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of sexual abuse is high and needs every one’s attention on its reduction. Awareness creation for families and communities on sexual abuse and education for adolescents on short and long impact of sexual abuse is recommended.

Impact of Sexual Abuse on Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being of Adolescent Girls

Child sexual abuse is a universal problem that occurs across gender, caste, color, religion, ethnic and socio-economic group. Sexual abuse creates intense trauma and emotional problems which create serious short term and long term psychological and behavioural problems.81.53% of the total incidence of child sexual abuse was reported amongst children between 11 and 18 years of age. The pre-adolescent to the adolescent child seems to be most at risk (Kacker, Varadan, Kumar, 2007). The present study intends to assess the impact of sexual abuse on self esteem and psychological well being of adolescent girls. Sample consists of 75 adolescent girls aged 12-18 years. 25 sexually abused girls from rehabilitating government children’s home, 25 non-abused girls from a destitute home for children and 25 girls staying with parents. Instruments used are Self-Esteem Scale (SES-DSDU) and Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS-SDCP). The results indicate the sexual abuse has a significant impact on self esteem and psychological well-being of adolescent girls.

Psychosocial Needs of Children in Foster Care and the Impact of Sexual Abuse

Children in family foster care, especially those who have experienced sexual abuse, require a safe and nurturing environment in which their psychosocial needs are met. However, there is limited knowledge on how youth prioritize various needs and what impact previous experiences have on these needs. In this study, we asked youth (formerly) in family foster care to indicate their psychosocial needs, and analyzed if youth with a history of sexual abuse have different needs. A Q methodological study was conducted with 44 youth (age 16–28). Fifteen of them reported sexual abuse during their childhood. Using by-person factor analyses, respondents who share similar subjective views were grouped together. Qualitative interpretations of the factors show differences and similarities between and within the two groups, related to help from others, being independent, processing the past, and working toward the future. Although the needs of youth with and without experiences of sexual abuse seem mostly similar, one group of sexually abused youth specifically indicated not wanting an emotional connection to foster parents, but instead a strictly instrumental, professional relationship. This study captured the diverse perspectives of youth themselves, revealing that children in foster care differ with regard to what they consider as (most) important safety, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization needs.

The Impact of Sexual Abuse, Family Violence/Conflict, Spirituality, and Religion on Anger and Depressed Mood Among Adolescents.

Stressful life experiences, such as sexual abuse and family violence/conflict, relate to an increased risk of mental health problems. Religion and spirituality may prevent this negative impact, but religion and spirituality are lower among survivors of stressful life experiences. To explore this effect, we examined the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and family violence/conflict on anger and depressed mood. Survey data were collected from a large population-based sample of Icelandic adolescents (N = 7,365) on their stressful life experiences, religion, spirituality, and mental health. Survivors of stressful life experiences (sexual abuse or family violence/conflict) were significantly lower on religion and spirituality than others. A hierarchical linear regression showed that stressful life experiences contributed uniquely to higher levels of anger and depressed mood. Spirituality was associated with decreased anger and depressed mood. The religion of parents and peers was also associated with decreased anger. Religious participation, on the contrary, did not have a relationship with mental health outcomes. In addition, the negative association between spirituality and anger was stronger among survivors of sexual abuse than nonabused individuals. These results confirm previous research, indicating that survivors of stressful life experiences may experience less religion and spirituality. The results also extend existing knowledge by showing that spirituality may be even more beneficial among sexual abuse survivors, as a protective factor against anger. These findings can help in the minimization of the negative mental health impact of stressful life experiences.

Looking for the origins of anorexia nervosa in adolescence - A new treatment approach

Abstract Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder, which affects particularly adolescents. The media coverage of feminine thinness is demonstrated as a token of beauty, with diet as a tool to achieve this. However, diets are not enough to explain the numerous cases. This disease is the symptom of a psychological disorder and looking for the origin must coincide with psychotherapeutic treatment. Multifactorial explanations seem dominate within our female patients. For most female patients, family problems and past experience with sexual assault explain this transition to anorexia. It is demonstrated throughout this paper how and why anorexia nervosa is used as a tool for identification and personalization in the assumption of autonomy and independence, and how and why anorexia becomes a defensive response to aggression. We give a clinical confirmation of the diverse origins of anorexia nervosa and of the impact of sexual abuse. This paper proposes a new therapeutic approach to patients with anorexia nervosa, in which the eating disorder is a symptom of an emotional disorder, often triggered by sexual assault or emotional deprivation.

Guidelines for support to mothers of sexually abused children in North-West province.

BackgroundSouth Africa is reported to have the highest rate of sexual assault in the world with over 40% of cases occurring among children. Children who are sexually abused have support programmes and policies to assist them in coping, but there are no support programmes for mothers or caretakers. Caretakers need support for themselves and assisting them will incrementally benefit children under their care. Often mothers of these children experience shock, anger, disbelief and suffer secondary trauma such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following their children’s sexual abuse disclosure and yet there are no guidelines for support to these mothers within North-West province (NWP)ObjectivesThe study seeks to develop guidelines for support to mothers of sexually abused children in NWP.MethodsConcurrent convergence triangulation mixed method design was employed in this study. The population consisted of mothers of sexually abused children (SAC) (n = 17 participants for the qualitative component and n = 180 participants for the quantitative component). A sample of mothers of SAC was purposely selected.ResultsThe participants indicated significant levels of depression because of lack of support by stakeholders. Guidelines for support to assist mothers cope with their secondary trauma were developed based on the literature review, study findings as well as an ecological model of the impact of sexual assault on women’s mental health. The results also showed extreme PTSD (47.8%), little support (38.8%), not coping (76.1%) and depression (36.1%).ConclusionThe stakeholders should consider a positive approach to support mothers whose children are sexually abused.

Prevalence and psychological sequelae of sexual abuse among individuals with an intellectual disability: A review of the recent literature.

The impact of sexual abuse among those with an intellectual disability is an area in need of further research. The current article provides an in-depth narrative review of the sexual abuse literature relevant to individuals with an intellectual disability. The 29 articles included in this study focused on (a) the prevalence of sexual abuse, (b) the risk factors associated with this population, and (c) the psychological impact of abuse. The findings confirmed that children and adults with an intellectual disability are at a higher risk of sexual abuse than nondisabled peers. Research regarding risk factors is equivocal, with a range of possible factors indicated. Similarly, evidence suggests that there is no single diagnostic trajectory when dealing with the sequelae of sexual abuse among those with an intellectual disability. The article concludes by discussing recommendations for future research and development of policy around this area.

Unprotected In an Islamic Country; Experiences of Childhood Sexual Abuse among Pakistani Women

This study qualitatively explored the experiences of childhood sexual abuse in females. Semi structured interviews with open ended questions were used to obtain in-depth information about various aspects of this experience, ; perpetrator characteristics, type and frequency of abuse, victim’s response/reaction, reporting to family or other adults, treatment seeking treatment and perceived effects on mental and physical health. The participants were approached through snow ball sampling. 5 females of different backgrounds and ages who gave consent to share personal information were interviewed. Their verbatim were transcribed and content analyzed. The results of the interviews after content analyzed were that their current age, ages at time of abuse, reporting experiences, relationship with abuser, psychological reactions and counseling sought of or not. To lend support to findings of first study, as a next step, three anonymous stories were selected from the internet and content analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that incident of abuse at home have higher frequency then outside. Three out of five participants were abused by their close relatives, 2 were abused by family friends. Most common form was kissing, touching body parts and showing pornography. The reaction of the family mostly was not supportive. The emotional effects were: sad mood and feeling of unhappy and isolation, worthless and crying episodes. Physical effects ere palpitation, trembling and increasing heart beat immediately after abuse. Some victims of sexual abuse felt sexual repulsion and have difficulty accepting closeness to men. 3 out of 5 participants sought counseling but 1 of 3 participants took counseling after very long time. Two women reported taking sleeping pills for the quality of sleep. So, collectively, from interviews and stories, it was found that the impact of sexual abuse remains same across cultures.

Validation of the Child Sexual Abuse Knowledge Questionnaire

ABSTRACTA validation study of the Child Sexual Abuse Knowledge Questionnaire (CSA-KQ) was conducted on a sample of 1712 non-empanelled jurors in the greater Sydney area, Australia. The CSA-KQ contains nine items derived from empirical findings on common misconceptions about typical features of abuse offences, children’s responses to child sexual abuse, and their ability to give reliable evidence. Study 1 tested the factor structure of the questionnaire in a sample of 843 non-empanelled jurors. The best model indicated by exploratory factor analysis had two factors: the Impact of Sexual Abuse on Children and Contextual Influences on the Report. Study 2 cross-validated the findings and tested the predictive validity of the CSA-KQ in a realistic simulated trial in which an 11-year-old complainant alleged abuse by her grandfather. Confirmatory factor analysis replicated the findings of Study 1, showing strong reliability for each of the factors (ρy = 0.70 to ρy = 0.80) and for the CSA-KQ (ρy = 0.76). CSA-KQ scores were significantly correlated with the perceived credibility of the complainant (r = 0.23). Moreover, the CSA-KQ scores predicted verdict: jurors with greater knowledge about CSA were more likely to convict the defendant than jurors who knew less about CSA.

Supporting the needs of survivors of childhood sexual abuse

Stephanie Thornton looks at the short- and long-term impact of sexual abuse and explores some of the strategies to assess and meet the needs of survivors.

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Syringe Sharing Among People Who Inject Drugs.

Childhood sexual abuse is associated with adverse health outcomes. However, the impact of sexual abuse on HIV risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (IDU) has not been thoroughly characterized. We therefore sought to identify whether childhood sexual abuse was associated with syringe sharing among a sample of IDU in Vancouver, Canada. We assessed sexual abuse among two cohorts of IDUs via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and syringe sharing. In total, 1380 IDU were included in the study, and 426 (30.9%) IDU reported childhood sexual abuse. Syringe sharing (Adjusted Odds Ratio=1.83, 95% Confidence Interval 1.28-2.60) remained independently associated with childhood sexual abuse after adjustment for potential confounders. Given that a history of childhood sexual abuse appears to be elevated among IDU who engage in HIV risk behaviors (i.e., syringe sharing), HIV prevention efforts should include efforts to address historical trauma in this population.

Child sexual abuse leads to psychological disorders: Literature review

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.

The Impact of Sexual Abuse in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy

BackgroundSexual abuse has been linked to strong effects on gastrointestinal health. Colonoscopy can provoke intense emotional reactions in patients with a sexual abuse history and may lead to avoidance of endoscopic procedures.ObjectiveTo determine whether care around colonoscopy needs adjustment for patients with sexual abuse experience, thereby exploring targets for the improvement of care around colonoscopic procedures.MethodsQuestionnaires were mailed to patients (n = 1419) from two centers within 11 months after colonoscopy. Differences in experience of the colonoscopy between patients with and without a sexual abuse history were assessed and patients' views regarding physicians' inquiry about sexual abuse and care around endoscopic procedures were obtained.ResultsA total of 768 questionnaires were analyzed. The prevalence of sexual abuse was 3.9% in male and 9.5% in female patients. Patients born in a non-western country reported more sexual abuse (14.9%) than those born in a western country (6.3%; p = 0.008). Discomfort during colonoscopy was indicated on a scale from 0 to 10, mean distress score of patients with sexual abuse was 4.8(±3.47) compared to 3.5(±3.11) in patients without a sexual abuse history (p = 0.007). Abdominal pain was a predictor for higher distress during colonoscopy (β = −0.019 (SE = 0.008); p = 0.02, as well as the number of complaints indicated as reason for colonoscopy (β = 0.738 (SE = 0.276); p = 0.008). Of patients with sexual abuse experience, 53.8% believed gastroenterologists should ask about it, 43.4% said deeper sedation during colonoscopy would diminish the distress.ConclusionsSexual abuse is prevalent in patients presenting for colonoscopy. Patients with a sexual abuse history experience more distress during the procedure and indicate that extra attention around and during colonoscopy may diminish this distress.

Gender differences in recidivism rates for juvenile justice youth: The impact of sexual abuse.

Young female offenders represent a growing number of young offenders. Studies have shown that youth in the juvenile justice system, particularly young females, report higher rates of lifetime sexual abuse than their nonoffending peers. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in risk factors for recidivism, including a history of sexual abuse, among a juvenile court clinic sample. Findings suggest that, even after accounting for previously identified risk factors for recidivism such as prior legal involvement and conduct problems, a history of sexual abuse is the most salient predictor of recidivism for young female offenders, but not for males. The development of gender-responsive interventions to reduce juvenile recidivism and continued legal involvement into adulthood may be warranted.

Victims’ Voices: The Impact of Online Grooming and Sexual Abuse

This paper reports one of the first studies to identify the impact on the victim of online grooming leading to online and/or offline sexual abuse. Eight young people (six females and two males) who had been victimised through online grooming and subsequently experienced sexual abuse online and/or offline were interviewed. Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data. The impact of sexual abuse on the young person appears to be correlated with their level of vulnerability prior to the onset of grooming and also their experience with professionals following abuse. Most notably, those experiencing multiple long-term risk factors suffered greater negative impact after the grooming and abuse on an individual level (e.g., self-harm, depression), compared to those who had more protection. However, these individuals were also more likely to experience unsupportive and negative responses from their families. Therefore future research is required to further investigate this relationship. There is no evidence in this study to suggest that young people who are abused via the Internet suffer less harm than those who are abused offline. Based on the victim's direct experience of the services, recommendations are given for police, ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) interviewers, educationalists, and parents and carers.

In Demand: Therapeutic Services for Children and Young People Who Have Experienced Sexual Abuse

This paper describes the key findings of an NSPCC study estimating need, in the UK, for therapeutic services for children who have experienced sexual abuse. This is based upon current estimates of the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse towards children and young people against the availability of therapeutic services in the UK. Data were collected on service location, availability, scope and coverage across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Researchers: (1) mapped 508 services; (2) collected data from 195 services via a structured questionnaire; (3) followed up 21 service managers and 11 service commissioners with a semi‐structured interview; and (4) carried out two focus groups with young people.‘Data were collected on service location, availability, scope and coverage’The overall level of specialist provision is low, with less than one service available per 10 000 children and young people in the UK. Calculations of need indicate that 57 156 children across the UK in the last year may have been unable to access a service. Findings from services support the view that need outstrips availability; that referral routes are limited, leaving few options for young people who have been raped or seriously sexually assaulted to directly access support; that significant waiting lists mean services must focus on reactive, rather than preventive, work; and that services are less accessible for certain groups, especially sexually abused teenagers, children with disabilities and those from Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee backgrounds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Messages Relevant professionals must be adequately trained to talk to children about sexual abuse and to identify those vulnerable in order to identify need. Expert specialist services are well placed to share learning on early help and identification with broader children's service providers. Active steps need to be taken by commissioners in consultation with young people, voluntary sector and adult sexual violence service providers to meet the shortfall at the level of local authorities.

O abuso sexual: estudos de casos em cenas incestuosas

A contribuição da perspectiva psicanalítica na compreensão do impacto do abuso sexual no funcionamento psíquico baseia-se na identificação da singularidade dos arranjos defensivos frente à angústia traumática. Assim, neste trabalho buscou-se compreender os processos mentais relativos ao funcionamento psíquico de vítimas dessa violência, a partir da perspectiva da teoria psicanalítica, além do impacto do processo traumático no funcionamento psíquico de dois casos de meninas em atendimento em um centro especializado para vítimas de abuso sexual. Para tal, foram utilizadas entrevistas de Hora de Jogo Diagnóstica e testes projetivos, como o Rorschach e o teste do desenho House-Tree-Person. Verificou-se que o funcionamento das meninas se caracterizava por uma dinâmica psíquica dissociativa de enfrentamento do trauma e por um processo identificatório ambivalente, que afetava a capacidade simbólica dos sujeitos. Em conclusão, o atendimento psicoterápico às vítimas de abuso sexual é um recurso indispensável no âmbito da saúde mental.

Midwifery practice and childhood sexual abuse: CSA, birth and powerlessness

British Journal of MidwiferyVol. 19, No. 11 Book ReviewMidwifery practice and childhood sexual abuse: CSA, birth and powerlessnessElsa MontgomeryElsa MontgomerySearch for more papers by this authorElsa MontgomeryPublished Online:16 Aug 2013https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2011.19.11.746AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Aldcroft D (2001) A guide to providing care for survivors of child sex abuse. BJM 9(2): 81–5 Google ScholarFinkelhor D, Browne A (1985) The traumatic impact of childhood sexual abuse: A conceptualization. Am J Orthopsychiatry 55(4): 530–41 Crossref, Google ScholarGarratt L (2002) Maternity care of survivors of sexual abuse. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 12(1): 26–8 Google ScholarGutteridge K (2001) Failing women: the impact of sexual abuse on childbirth. BJM 9(5): 312–5 Google ScholarMay-Chahal C, Cawson P (2005) Measuring child maltreatment in the United Kingdom: A study of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect. Child Abuse Negl 29(9): 969–84 Crossref, Google ScholarRose A (1992) Effects of childhood sexual abuse on childbirth: one woman’s story. Birth 19(4): 214–18 Crossref, Google ScholarRouf K (1999) Child sexual abuse and pregnancy: a personal account. Pract Midwife 2(6): 29–31 Google ScholarSmith M (1998) Childbirth in women with a history of sexual abuse (I): A case history approach. Pract Midwife 1(6): 20–3 Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 1 November 2011Volume 19Issue 11ISSN (print): 0969-4900ISSN (online): 2052-4307 Metrics History Published online 16 August 2013 Published in print 1 November 2011 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

The impact of sexual abuse on female development: lessons from a multigenerational, longitudinal research study.

This is a report on the research design and findings of a 23-year longitudinal study of the impact of intrafamilial sexual abuse on female development. The conceptual framework integrated concepts of psychological adjustment with theory regarding how psychobiological factors might impact development. Participants included 6- to 16-year-old females with substantiated sexual abuse and a demographically similar comparison group. A cross-sequential design was used and six assessments have taken place, with participants at median age 11 at the first assessment and median age 25 at the sixth assessment. Mothers of participants took part in the early assessments and offspring took part at the sixth assessment. Results of many analyses, both within circumscribed developmental stages and across development, indicated that sexually abused females (on average) showed deleterious sequelae across a host of biopsychosocial domains including: earlier onsets of puberty, cognitive deficits, depression, dissociative symptoms, maladaptive sexual development, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal attenuation, asymmetrical stress responses, high rates of obesity, more major illnesses and healthcare utilization, dropping out of high school, persistent posttraumatic stress disorder, self-mutilation, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses, physical and sexual revictimization, premature deliveries, teen motherhood, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. Offspring born to abused mothers were at increased risk for child maltreatment and overall maldevelopment. There was also a pattern of considerable within group variability. Based on this complex network of findings, implications for optimal treatments are elucidated. Translational aspects of extending observational research into clinical practice are discussed in terms that will likely have a sustained impact on several major public health initiatives.

The Individual as a Moderating Agent of the Long-Term Impact of Sexual Abuse

Adverse developmental effects associated with traumatic life experiences such as child sexual abuse will not apply to all individuals exposed. This general population study, compared the health and life circumstances of 45 respondents who spontaneously identified the experience of sexual abuse before age 22 as changing their life for the "better" (n = 12) versus "worse" (n = 33); with respondents who reported exposure to child sexual abuse on a standard questionnaire; and respondents not reporting such exposure. Individuals exposed versus non-exposed to sexual abuse experienced more adversity in early life and exhibited lower functioning in adulthood. However, individuals associating sexual abuse with a life change for the "better" exhibited a constellation of features consistent with more stable, supportive home environments and better prospects early on and healthier functioning later-on as adults. Studies are needed to understand the complex pathways between early exposure to sexual abuse and these diverse outcomes.