SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to develop substance abuse problems than those who have not been abused.

• Female adult survivors of child sexual abuse are nearly three times more likely to report substance use problems than non-victims. 
• Male adult child sexual abuse victims are more likely to report substance use problems than non-victims.

MENTAL HEALTH 

Mental health issues are a common long-term consequence of child sexual abuse.

• Adult women who were sexually abused as a child are more likely to suffer from depression than women who were not sexually abused. 
• Adults with a history of child sexual abuse are more likely to report a suicide attempt. 
• Females who are sexually abused are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders than females who are not sexually abused. 
• Among male survivors, they are more likely to need psychological treatment for issues such as substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and attempted suicide.

EATING DISORDERS 

Studies show that obesity and eating disorders are more common in women who have history of child sexual abuse than in women who are not abused.

• Women are more likely to develop an eating disorder that non-victims.  
• Middle-aged women are twice as likely to be obese than non-victims.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Physical health problems related to child sexual abuse can be minor or life-threatening. 

• Adult survivors of child sexual abuse are at greater risk of many health conditions that are potentially psychosomatic in nature: fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, and a wide range of reproductive and sexual health complaints. 
• Adults with a history of child sexual abuse are more likely than their non-abused peers to have a serious medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems, stroke, or hypertension.

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR 

Adult survivors of child sexual abuse are more likely to become involved in crime, both as a perpetrator and as a victim. 

• Adult survivors are more likely to be arrested for a property offense than non-victims. 
• Child sexual abuse survivors were more likely to be arrested in adulthood for a violent offense as the general population.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? 

This does not mean that the majority of sexually abused children will develop mental or physical illnesses. It does not mean they will become violent offenders or substance abusers. Many will become productive members of their communities, whether or not they choose to report abuse. 

This simply shows the long-term impact child sexual abuse can have on both victims and communities Their meaning is clear – preventing child sexual abuse now can help communities in the future.