Childhood sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience that leaves lasting scars on survivors. This trauma can profoundly affect many aspects of their lives, including their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships in the future.
5 impacts of childhood sexual abuse on relationships
Experiencing childhood sexual abuse can create significant barriers to forming healthy relationships later in life. Here’s how it can impact survivors:
- Trust issues: Survivors may find it difficult to trust others, fearing betrayal or harm.
- Intimacy problems: They might struggle with physical closeness and sexual intimacy, often associating it with pain or fear.
- Self-esteem: The abuse can damage self-worth, leading to feelings of shame and unworthiness.
- Emotional regulation: Survivors may have trouble managing their emotions, leading to conflicts and relationship misunderstandings.
- Attachment styles: They might develop insecure attachment styles, becoming overly dependent or highly avoidant in relationships.
Recognizing these impacts is the first step toward healing. Survivors should seek professional help to navigate these challenges and build healthier relationships.
Filing a complaint about childhood sexual abuse
If a survivor decides to report the abuse, they can do so through local law enforcement or with the help of legal counsel. In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit for childhood sexual abuse is generally until the survivor turns 55 or seven years from the time they discover the abuse’s impact on their life.
Filing a case against a perpetrator is complex and emotionally draining. In addition to friends, family members, or a therapist, you may also want to seek help from a legal professional who can protect your rights and connect you with resources to aid your healing journey. With the proper support and resources, survivors can find restoration and justice.