The Lasting Effects of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse leaves lasting scars on its victims. When sexual abuse is perpetrated against a child, the effects can be particularly devastating. Victims of sexual abuse may experience emotional, physical, and psychological issues that can be difficult to overcome. Sexual abuse victims can seek justice against their abusers under New Jersey civil law. At the Leonard Legal Group in New Jersey, our compassionate legal team is dedicated to protecting the rights of sexual abuse victims and fighting on their behalf to hold their abusers accountable.

Injuries from sexual abuse can be devastating

While the physical injury that is a result of sexual abuse may last for weeks, the emotional and psychological damage may last for a much longer period of time and require therapeutic counseling or long-term treatment to resolve. Victims of sexual abuse may experience a significant level of distress and — in both the short-term and long-term — may exhibit a wide range of psychological symptoms. The emotional trauma may present itself in the victim in the form of anxiety, violent outbursts, feelings of guilt, depression, distrust, and a sense of shame. Therapy sessions can be quite effective but are often quite difficult and painful for the victim as this process requires remembering the incident and reliving the sexual abuse. The pain and suffering of sexual abuse victims is immeasurable and can last a lifetime.

Sexual assault trauma syndrome

Some sexual abuse victims may experience what is known as sexual assault trauma syndrome at any point in time after the abuse occurs, including many years later. This is a psychological impairment that can be quite disruptive to the normal social, emotional, physical, behavioral, and intellectual behavior of that person.

Child sexual abuse may be classified as PTSD

In some childhood sexual abuse cases, the resulting trauma may be classified as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a disorder that some individuals develop after experiencing a frightening, traumatic, or dangerous event. Individuals who are diagnosed with PTSD may feel significant levels of stress or feel frightened even when they are not in danger. When PTSD is a result of childhood sexual abuse, the victim may suffer from recurring nightmares about the incident and past abuse.

Other effects of sexual abuse

In addition to the physical and psychological trauma endured as a result of sexual abuse, sexual abuse victims may experience any of the following:

• Drug addiction
• Alcohol addiction
• Difficulty securing or maintaining employment
• Relationship issues

Treatment to address these issues can take considerable time and be quite costly.

Experienced, compassionate counsel for sexual abuse victims throughout New Jersey

At Leonard Legal Group, our experienced New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys are compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of sexual abuse victims. We understand the challenges inherent in pursuing a sexual abuse claim and are by your side every step of the way. To arrange a confidential consultation with a member of our team, contact our office at 973-984-1414 or contact us online.