Survivor Guide
Child Sex Abuse Survivors
According to RAINN, every nine minutes child protective services uncovers evidence of childhood sex abuse. One in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys are sexually abused by the age of 18.
The effects of sexual abuse in childhood can be long-lasting, with adult survivors three to four times more likely to develop PTSD, depression, and other mental health concerns. These results can make everyday life difficult — for children and adults. Civil lawsuits can help survivors find justice that secures funds to access the treatment or assistance needed.
What Is Childhood Sex Abuse?
Childhood sexual abuse is any kind of sexual contact with a minor. Anyone under 18 cannot consent to sexual interactions with adults. Sexual abuse does not need to be physical to be abusive and illegal. Contact sexual abuse includes fondling, intercourse, and sex of any kind.
Non-contact sexual abuse includes exhibitionism, masturbation in front of a minor, involvement in images of sexual childhood abuse, and sex trafficking.
Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood sex abuse can happen to a wide range of people, and every case can present differently. Symptoms are often categorized into several areas.
Emotional Signs
- Depression: withdrawal, low energy, frequent crying, low self-esteem, hopelessness
- Anxiety: nightmares, panic attacks
- Anger: irritability, hostility
Physical Signs
- Stomach pain or aches
- Eating or sleeping much less or more than usual
- Signs of trauma around the genital area: bruising, blood
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Behavioral Signs
- Isolating or not wanting to be left alone
- Unusual discussion or knowledge of sexual topics, especially for the age
- Regressive behaviors like bedwetting or thumbsucking
- Not wanting to bathe or change clothes
- Acting fearful of certain individuals or not wanting to be separated from others
Mandated Reporting: What To Know
Mandated reporters are legally required to report abuse or neglect of vulnerable people to the authorities. This typically includes teachers, childcare providers, social workers, clergy members, healthcare workers, and law enforcement. In most states, reporters are protected by immunity when they report in good faith, and reports are often anonymous.
The Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has general rules, but every state can have slightly different rules about who is a mandated reporter. Some states require everyone, regardless of profession, to report suspected abuse.
Resources for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse
Even if childhood abuse ended in the past, the emotional effects can last well into adulthood. Adults may face struggles like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty maintaining personal relationships or meeting professional goals, and grappling with substance abuse or alcoholism.
According to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, only 12% of childhood sex abuse cases are reported to the police. RAINN reports that out of 1,000 sexual abusers, 975 never see jail time.
Resources for Family of Child Sex Abuse Survivors
Supporting children through this difficult time is essential, and you don’t have to do it alone. Licensed mental healthcare professionals and other medical providers can guide your family. Staying involved in a child’s life, monitoring who they are with and when, can help.
However, no matter how vigilant parents and guardians are, sometimes evil things still happen — especially when the abuse occurs with the adults we are supposed to trust: sports coaches, teachers, clergy members, medical personnel.
Who May Be Liable in a Childhood Sex Abuse Case?
The person directly behind the abuse can be held liable, but often these individuals don’t act alone. Religious organizations, scouting groups, medical facilities, and more can be equally at fault. Such large institutions can allow abuse to go on, enabling the abuser, silencing the victim, or obstructing justice. Since these groups are so large, it can feel intimidating to challenge them — and they rely on this to continue their actions. But just like they have strength in numbers, so do we.
Legal Rights for Childhood Sex Abuse Survivors
While abusers might not have faced justice in the criminal system, they can still be prosecuted civilly. In civil courts, survivors of sexual abuse can seek financial compensation from their abuser. These funds can help pay for mental health care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Funds may also compensate for lost wages or help procure housing or other necessities.
Statute of Limitations on Childhood Sexual Abuse
If you didn’t report your childhood sexual abuse immediately, you might still have time to seek justice. Each state has its own rules regarding the statute of limitations for civil cases. Beyond that, some states are creating new lookback windows, providing more time for survivors to process their abuse and decide which plan of action to take.
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