Childhood Sex Abuse Leads to Lifelong Problems

Victims Face Lifelong Health Problems and Shortened Lives

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Kaiser Permanente's Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego, more than one in five adults (20.7%) were sexually abused as children. Women are especially vulnerable. The CDC report is showing that nearly 1 in 4 women (24.7%) are sexually abused as children.Childhood sex abuse is leading to a lifetime of physical and mental complications. The studies have found that sexually abused children live, on average, 19 years less than children who are not abused. As a result, childhood sex abuse is linked to adolescent and adult self-harm, including suicide attempts, cutting, and self-starvation. Finally, another study is finding that childhood sexual abuse is the single strongest predictor of suicide.

Child sex abuse victims are at risk for the following health problems:

• Alcoholism and alcohol abuse
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Depression
• Fetal death
• Health-related quality of life
• Illicit drug use
• Ischemic heart disease (IHD)
• Liver disease
• Risk for intimate partner violence
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Smoking
• Suicide attempts
• Unintended pregnancies
• Early initiation of smoking
• Early initiation of sexual activity
• Adolescent pregnancy

Lastly, from a criminal justice standpoint, studies are showing that more than 75% of girls in the juvenile justice system and 80% of women in prison and jails have been subjected to sexual / physical abuse.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest ever conducted investigations. The study assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being.

The childhood molestation attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard are here to help you and your family. Our track record working on behalf of child molestation victims speaks for itself. Above all, we are looking to break societal silence by holding predators and their enablers accountable for their actions.

Please call us at 408-289-1417 for a free and confidential consultation. Or you may fill out the case evaluation form. We’re ready to help you.