Sexual Abuse

psychology 1100-002-F15
Lianna Trevino

Sexual Abuse
Background
Its two a.m. and I wake from the hot summer Texas heat, looking
around I think to myself Where am I? A few moments pass as
realization washes over me, Oh Im at my dads house, in my room.
-Ever since my parents divorced, my twin brother and I had spent the
summers with him and his family. I push the hot feather down
comforter off and settle for a thin white sheet to cover me. Almost
asleep, I hear the rattling of a doorknob begin to push my bedroom
door open. The hall light flashes a dim beam of light and I could see
the silhouette of a mans shadow. Frightened and alone I tense and
pretend if I dont move no one can see me. The footsteps become
closer, and closer until at my bedside. A familiar but unwelcome touch
strokes the back of my neck then eventually down to various parts of
my body that I am still unsure about. Fifteen minutes pass after those
hands had repeatedly violated my innocent adolescence and Im
frozen, in extreme terror. I lay petrified until left with a wet, coffee
tasting kiss and cry myself to another sleepless night.

Statistics
A study by David Finelhor, Director of the Crimes Against
Children Research Center, ("David Finkelhor, Ph.D., Professor." Crimes
Against Children Research Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)

Proves that, one in five girls have been sexually assaulted and sixty
eight percent of those girls happened to be sexually assaulted by a
family member. Many of these cases arent even reported due to
shame and embarrassment, meaning that the previously listed
numbers, shocking as they are, are still undetermined. Sexual abuse is
major problem for society because the physical and mental harm the
child is put in is extremely destructive. The effects can be long lasting
and have an affect on the entire family. Although, it has been around
for decades, probably even centuries, society is becoming vastly more
aware of child sexual abuse and its impact on its victims.
Some more statistics regarding sexual abuse according to Rainn,
rape, abuse and incest National Network ("RAINN | Rape, Abuse and
Incest National Network | RAINN: The Nation's Largest Anti-sexual
Assault Organization.One of "America's 100 Best Charities" -Worth
Magazine." RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN:
The Nation's Largest Anti-sexual Assault Organization.One of
"America's 100 Best Charities" -Worth Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 24
Nov. 2015.) Are 44% of victims are under the age of 18 and 80% are
under the age of 30. Every 107 seconds, another American is sexually
abused, in fact each year; there are over 200,000 victims that are
sexually abused. 68% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police
and even more shocking 98% of rapists will never spend a day in jail or
prison. 4 out of 5 sexually assaulted victims are actually someone they

know making that about 47% of rapists a friend(s), family member(s)

or an acquaintance(s).
Not all children that are sexually abused show any symptoms at
all, in fact only about 40% of sexually abused children are
symptomatic. (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuseand-neglect/child-sexual-abuse/signs-symptoms-effects/) Often,
children dont come out and say that they were ever sexually abused;
they are most likely to hint at the topic testing the reaction by the
other person. Children are most likely to refrain telling an adult until
older, for one of two reasons: 1) they are scared of the abuser 2) they
think there will be a negative reaction from their parents. Although
statistics show that there are more females being victimized to sexual
assault it might not be entirely true because males are 10 times more
unlikely to report these occurrences. Lucy Faithfull Foundation." (Child
Sexual Abuse Warning Signs. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)

Mental problems of sexual abuse

There are a wide variety of mental problems that go along with
sexual abuse. ("Medscape Log In." Medscape Log In. N.p., n.d. Web. 24
Nov. 2015.)
SHORT-TERM

LONG-TERM

Physical injuries
Sexually transmitted
diseases
Pregnancy
Feeling of powerlessness
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Fear
Guilt
Shame
Physical repulsion
Anger
Anxiety
Despair
Numbness
Confusion

Obsessive-compulsive
disorder
Depression
Anxiety and panic attacks
Self-harm
Para-suicide
Promiscuity
Lack of self-esteem
Eating disorders
Sexual problems
Drug and alcohol abuse
Alienation
Suicide

Not all of these are always considered long or short term, some can
last longer or shorter. Some dont even remember what had happened
to them. Some have many relationship problems. Some dont even
think what happened to them is that bad mentioning that others have
worse problems.
Most people that have been subjected to sexual abuse often are
more custom to substance abuse as well. Cigarette smoking is usually
the most common. Nichols and Harlow did a study, in 2004, on
childhood sexual abuse and smoking. They found out that nearly half,
41 percent, of the participants started smoking at the age of 16 to help
deal with sexual abuse. (Childhood Abuse and Risk of Smoking Onset."
-- Nichols and Harlow 58 (5): 402. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.) Sapp
and Vandeven, 2005 stated, smoking only continued into adulthood

because the adolescences where already addicted to the nicotine

within the cigarette. ("Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology
Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
There has been numerous of other studies done that links to child
sexual abuse and drug use. The main reason children that have
suffered from sexual abuse have elicit drug uses is because this is a
way to escape or disconnect from feelings of helplessness, chaos, and
impermanence.
Another main mental problem for childhood sexual abuse is
suicide. ("Medscape Log In." Medscape Log In. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov.
2015.) Childhood sexual abuse places an increased risk of suicide
throughout ones lifespan. Sapp and Vandeven stated in a study done in
2005 that adolescent boys who have been sexually abused are at a
greatly higher increase risk of suicide, and are an even higher risk than
girls who have also been sexual abused. Sexual abuse causes suicide
due to the depression that follows.

Also people that have a past of sexual abuse tend to not like
being touched. One can notice this in the diagram below.

This study had been done by Oxford University; they wanted to test
what it was like for a person with a past of sexual abuse to be touched.
The lighter the color the more welcoming the touch is, the darker the
more unwelcoming the touch is. Females were ten times more likely to

welcome the touch from a partner that than the males. The bodies
then were marked by the different social groups touching them, for
example, parents, sister, brother, friends, strangers and so on. ("Maps
Show Where Touching Is Allowed | University of Oxford." Maps Show
Where Touching Is Allowed | University of Oxford. N.p., n.d. Web. 24
Nov. 2015.)

Freuds stages with sexual abuse

Freud was a famous psychologist that had many theories of
childhood stages. ("The Assault on Truth: Freud's Suppression of the
Seduction Theory." APA PsycNET. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.) In the
book titled Freuds stages with sexual abuse, one analyses some of
Freuds major theories such as, Freuds theory of seduction. Within
this theory Freud had studied patients by a new therapy that relied on
the patient talking and a physician to listen. This type of treatment let
patient really explore hidden emotions in a judgment fee place and
opened underlying psychological issues. This way of studying helped
him set the stage to his work with child sexual abuse. In 1896 Freud
had finalized a theory call The Etiology of Hysteria, within this
experiment he studied 18 patients that he found to be victims of
childhood sexual abuse by different caregivers. He then later
discovered that most often the offenders were the fathers.

People at the time thought that it was preposterous for a childs

own parents to molest their children so Freud had rejected the theory
and said the female patients had made up the sexual abuse because
they were just extremely attracted to their own fathers, which later
became part of the stages of childhood development, this stage was
known as the Oedipus complex. According to the Oedipus complex the
female child falls in love with her father and hates her mother. ("Freud
and the Psychodynamic Perspective." Freud and the Psychodynamic
Perspective. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
Another reason why Freud had rejected his first initial theory was
because not only was it frowned upon at the time but because Freuds
thought his father had sexually abused several of his own sisters and
one of his brothers. Freud stated, In all cases, that father, not
excluding my own, had to be accused of being perverse, (Freud, as
cited in Masson, 1985, p. 264). Freud founded the incest was the sold
cause of female sexual abuse. Freud then reported to Fliess about
overly affectionate feelings towards his own daughter and he would
dream about those feelings. Freud was also reported by Jones, his
biographer that he had shocking behavior towards his niece that was
erotic in nature, (p, 302). With these experiences Freud was able
know what his father was like.

Eriksons theories with sexual abuse

Erikson was also a Physiologist but instead of the focus of

sexuality like Freud, Erikson focused on the sense of how identity
develops. One of his many theories is known as the psychosocial
theory which is how people develop mentally with how they learn to
co-exist in a larger community. ("Child Abuse and Neglect." Sexual
Abuse Unit 2 / Negative Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
Eriksons first stage is called Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust vs. Mistrust
("Child Abuse and Neglect." Sexual Abuse Unit 2 / Negative Effects.
N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.) is during infancy and goes until about
one year old. Within this stage the child has to depend solely on the
caregiver to take care of all the basic needs such as, food, cleaning
them, warmth, and love and soothing. The child will learn to trust their
caregivers and the environment that they are in. Learning how to trust
others is a necessary step to having loving supportive relationships
with other people and possession a positive self.
The second stage is called autonomy vs. shame and doubt.
("Child Abuse and Neglect." Sexual Abuse Unit 2 / Negative Effects.
N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.) This stage usually lasts until about three
years old. This is when the children can feel confident with making
their own decisions. This stage is when the caregiver is very supportive
and gives the child space to have to child experiment with the
environment and their bodies.

The third stage is called, initiative vs. guilt and usually last from
three to six years old. ("Child Abuse and Neglect." Sexual Abuse Unit
2 / Negative Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.) This is when the
child develops self- concept and the desire to try new things. It is
critical here that the child is given some space and not too strict of
boundaries so that they are able to explore and complete tasks by
themselves.
Now knowing all the stages Erikson has in the childhood
development one
can see how sexual abuse can effect the growing identity of oneself.
(Burger, Kathleen Stressen. Invitation to the Life Span. 2nd ed. Vol. 1.
N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.) The first stage is trust, when the caregiver breaks
that trust the child finds it harder to have meaningful relationships in
the future. The Second stage is autonomy vs. shame, if the child has
been sexually abuse they are going to fall under more of the shame
category and wonder why this is happening to them, also that child is
more susceptible to depression when they are older. The last stage was
initiative vs. guilt; if the child is sexually abuse guilt will usually take
over. The child will feel like they are doing something wrong and might
deserve what is happening to them.

Personal Experience
From the time I was four years old my grandfather had molested
me countless times. Four was the first time I can remember it

happening, although it might not have been the correct starting time.
It wasnt until I was seven I knew that what my grandfather was doing
was wrong and then tried forcibly until I was eleven when I knew to
avoid him at all cost.
When I was younger I thought it was normal for these things to
happen. I thought that he was the elder and he knew better than I.
When I was in third grade I had two other stepsisters and told them
what was happening in secret and we eventually told our stepmother,
but no one believed me so I decided to not tell anyone. I wasnt until I
was sixteen when I finally came out and told my parents, which had
made no difference since my father had done nothing about it.
I had never thought that this happening to me has ever affected
me personally. I knew it didnt happen to everyone and it was wrong,
but I felt like I grew up as any normal child would. I would always say to
myself that people in the world were going through harder things then
I ever have or will. It wasnt until I got into college I realized that I
didnt have as many emotions as most of my peers. I also realized that
I absolutely hated being touched by anyone, family, friends, and even
other sexual partners. For me, having meaningful relationships were
thrown completely out the window.
Now after doing this project, its shocking to me how many of
these mental problems I had or still have. When I was younger I had
panic attacks, flashbacks, short spurts of depression and nightmares.

Now I sleep with a knife under my pillow, my doors locked and my dog
has to be in my room so I know I am safe. This topic is awkward to talk
about and makes me vulnerable; I dont like people to show pity
towards me or to be cautious around me. I always thought I was very
blessed, strong, independent, and confidant and this is just an aspect
of my life that made me who I am today. I learned a lot and Im proud
of how far I have come.

Bibliography
("David Finkelhor, Ph.D., Professor." Crimes Against Children
Research Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
("RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network | RAINN: The
Nation's Largest Anti-sexual Assault Organization.One of "America's
100 Best Charities" -Worth Magazine." RAINN | Rape, Abuse and Incest
National Network | RAINN: The Nation's Largest Anti-sexual Assault
Organization.One of "America's 100 Best Charities" -Worth Magazine.
N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
(https://www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/child-abuse-andneglect/child-sexual-abuse/signs-symptoms-effects/)
Child Sexual Abuse Warning Signs. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
("Medscape Log In." Medscape Log In. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov.
2015.)
Childhood Abuse and Risk of Smoking Onset." -- Nichols and
Harlow 58 (5): 402. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
("Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information.
U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
("Maps Show Where Touching Is Allowed | University of Oxford."
Maps Show Where Touching Is Allowed | University of Oxford. N.p., n.d.
Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
("The Assault on Truth: Freud's Suppression of the Seduction
Theory." APA PsycNET. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.
("Freud and the Psychodynamic Perspective." Freud and the
Psychodynamic Perspective. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
Freud, as cited in Masson, 1985, p. 264
"Child Abuse and Neglect." Sexual Abuse Unit 2 / Negative
Effects. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2015.)
Burger, Kathleen Stressen. Invitation to the Life Span. 2nd ed.
Vol. 1. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print.