Each individual reacts differently to sexual victimization depending on their specific situation.

Some common symptoms that typify the effects of sexual abuse on children both in the short-term and long-term include the following, however, the presence of the following symptoms may also indicate other types of trauma, illness, or dysfunction:

fear,
inability to trust,
anger/aggressiveness,
inappropriate sexual behavior,
depression,
guilt,
shame,
difficulties in school,
somatic complaints,
sleep disturbances,
eating disorders,
phobic or avoidant behavior,
regressive behavior,
self-destructive behavior,
accident-proneness,
running or escape behaviors,
difficulty sustaining healthy relationships with other people,
generalized feelings of helplessness/hopelessness,
negative self-concept,
difficulty making adjustments and coping with typical stressors in life,
difficulty demonstrating appropriate expressions of affection,
nightmares,
flashbacks,
and other intrapersonal problems.


There are also factors that may counter the negative impact of sexual abuse specifically

if the child has a significant caretaker (i.e. parent) that believes, supports, and protects the child from further abuse,
minimal disruption for the child upon disclosure,
early intervention,
and participation in individual, family, and group therapy.

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