The Victims of Abuse
A review of the clinical and statistical literature on childhood sexual abuse emphasises not only the fact that sexual abuse of children is more prevalent than is generally recognised, but also dispels a number of myths - such as that abuse is perpetrated most often by strangers and that children are not damaged by abuse.
On the contrary, the evidence shows with great consistency that abuse is most often perpetrated by someone known to the child who is being victimized, and that children are terrified, hurt and humiliated by the experience of abuse.
There is general agreement that abuse involves damage in the areas of self- esteem, trust, intimacy and sexuality, and in other areas which are more specific to the experience of abuse and to each individual. The clinical literature and the writings of those who have survived abuse also indicate that it is possible for those who have been victims to experience considerable healing, which is facilitated by acknowledgment of abuse and by the experience of close and supportive relationships.
Geraldine Moane lectures on Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University College Dublin.
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