Long-term consequences of sexual abuse of minors

摘要

Beyond its immediate effects, experiences of sexual abuse in childhood have long been analyzed with regard to possible long-term consequences. Based mainly on reviews and meta-analyses, this paper provides an overview on the state of research. Long-term effects of child sexual abuse have been researched with regard to numerous somatic, emotional, cognitive, behavioural and social characteristics. Research also touches upon questions of interindividual variability of long-term effects and factors influencing type, severity, stability and development of sexual abuse in childhood effects. The paper addresses typical research problems related to establishing connections between symptoms found in victim populations and victim experiences made years or decades ago.