By Guest Blogger, SCP
In the United States, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. The effects of this abuse can be so devastating that survivors are predisposed to develop numerous mental health conditions and actually have a shorter life expectancy than their non-abused peers. A recent Australian study outlined in an article on The Conversation found evidence of another disturbing side effect of child sexual abuse: an increased likelihood the survivor will be abused again later in life.
The likelihood that child sexual abuse survivors will experience further sexual abuse, also known as re-victimization, is a reality that most survivors and advocates do not want to acknowledge. However, it’s critically important to understand re-victimization and child sexual abuse as a whole so we can protect survivors and create safe environments for children to heal and grow into healthy adults.
Child sexual abuse can be so devasting because perpetrators rob the child of their ability to trust, their feeling of control over their own body and life, and wreak havoc on the child’s self-esteem. Though the exact reasons why child sexual abuse and re-victimization are linked is unknown, there are likely many factors at play that make re-victimization a real threat. One study found that the age in which you are abused plays a significant role in re-victimization; children who were abused under the age of 12 are more likely to be victims later in life. Women survivors of child sexual abuse are also more likely to be re-victimized than male survivors, and those who had developed mental health issues were more likely to be victimized as well.
Many survivors of abuse develop mental illnesses as a means of coping with their trauma. Survivors with substance abuse issues, for example, had a higher rate of re-victimization than those that did not. Other mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, personality disorders, and anxiety also play a role in the rate of revictimization. Studies suggest the confusion, manipulation, and loss of power children suffer when they are sexually abused can cloud their ability to recognize and assess risky situations and people. This blind spot may result in further abuse. Perpetrators seek out previously victimized survivors for the same reason.
Though the research is still in progress, evidence has suggested a link between child sexual abuse and abuse later in life. The idea can be devastating to survivors who self-blame over their experiences, which is why early intervention is necessary to protect survivors from future abuse. This intervention can be as simple as creating an open dialogue with children about boundaries with other adults in their life. Additionally, parents and guardians should create an atmosphere where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences so they can get the professional help they need.
Child sexual abuse and the threat of re-victimization hurts too many to be ignored. If you or a loved one has suffered from child sexual abuse, check out the following resources for more information on re-victimization, 24 hour hotlines, educational materials, legal support, and additional resources.
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