Sexual abuse doesn’t just affect you momentarily when it happens. The physical and psychological damage caused by sexual abuse can last a lifetime. Research conducted often focuses on the physical effects of abuse, but in reality, it’s the psychological effects that can cause more damage in the long run.
Whilst sexual abuse compensation can’t help to take the psychological damage away, it can help ease some of the financial pressure that you could face as a result of what has happened to you.
Research from the Office of National Statistics showed that child abuse survivors rated their wellbeing to be lower than adults who didn’t get abused as a child. The research found that not only were they less likely to be happy, but also less satisfied with their lives.
Sexual abuse long-term effects:
- Mental health problems including depression, self harm, eating disorders, etc.
- Emotional problems such as anger, low self-esteem or anxiety
- Social isolation
- Problems with drugs or alcohol
- Post-traumatic stress disorder which could involve flashbacks or panic attacks
- Relationship problems
- Struggling with parenting
- Behaviour problems like criminal or anti-social behaviour
- Negative body image down to self-blame
- Fear of the abuser
A spokesperson from the NSPCC stated that their aim is to ensure that child abuse should never dictate that person’s future and to ensure victims recover and can get their lives back on track.
The child protection charity spokesperson said: “Although survivors may bear the scars of their experiences, this should not define who they are.”
With the help of mental health support, police investigations and a society that knows the signs of abuse to look for, survivors can go on to lead happy and fulfilled lives.
