Symptoms of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Rape Trauma in Adults
One of the difficulties in identifying childhood sexual abuse is the symptoms overlap with problems of other origins. These other problems make children more vulnerable to abuse, impede recovery from abuse, and mask symptoms of abuse. In my case, I was sexually abused at age four. I told my mother at age six about what happened to me, but she did nothing. She struggled with alcoholism and depression, leaving me unsupervised and unsupported throughout my childhood. The following list describes symptoms caused by childhood sexual abuse. These symptoms can improve with therapy and support.
Sexuality issues
- Discomfort with any form of touch
- Inability to enjoy sex
- Withdrawal from sex
- Feeling dirty about sex
- Feeling unable to say “no” to sex
- Promiscuity
- Addictions to sex
- Confusion about sexual orientation
- Sexualizing relationships
- Sometimes survivors are both promiscuous and unable to enjoy sex
Relationship Issues
- Inability to trust
- Trusting too easily and inappropriately
- Propensity to abusive relationships
- Withdrawal from relationships
- Fear of abandonment by loved ones
- Feeling unable to properly parent one’s own children
- Outbursts of anger
Depression and Anxiety
- Depression
- Suicidal tendencies
- Burying, stifling or numbing feelings
- Low self-esteem
- Persistent negative thoughts about self or one’s situation
- Anxiety--sometimes particular sights, sounds, places, smells or events will trigger anxiety.
Other Issues
- Aches and pains unrelated to any physical illness
- Self mutilation such as inserting needles under skin or carving oneself with plastic knives.
- Drug and alcohol dependencies
- Nightmares
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleep difficulties
- Bulimia, anorexia, and overeating