Child sex abuse can scar the psyche of the victim and its repercussions can last well into adult life. A combination of factors keeps the victim from not seeking immediate help. These include unwarranted guilt, shame, and fear of retribution by the perpetrator, etc. Moreover, the emotional impact of the trauma is so severe that the victim is inhibited from opening it again. The psychological mechanism that arises in this milieu is denial. Denial consequently inhibits the victim from availing conventional therapeutic options.
The most common manifestation of child sex abuse is dysfunctional intimate relationships in adult life. Since healthy intimate relations involves a healthy sex life, the residual psychological baggage of child sex abuse carries over to later relationships. Herein is a pointer for marriage and relationship counselors. It is imperative that their psychotherapeutic approach takes into consideration early life trauma, especially sexual abuse. That way, . . . Read More