Traumatic Stress and Psychological Changes in Sexually Abused Children

The sexual molestation of children is a growing, widespread concern and a pressing human rights issue. The World Health Organization defines sexual molestation of a child as involving a child in sexual activity for which the child is unable to give consent. It includes unnecessarily touching a child without their consent. The sexual molestation of a child is an obstacle in India, and not only girls, but also boys are at risk of mistreatment. The extended parentage grouping, poverty, and overcrowding are factors in child sexual abuse. Calmness or an inability to respond to anything are symptoms among young children subjected to sexual molestation. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major public health concern that directly affects sexually abused children, who may re-experience the traumatic events on a daily basis. Various factors evoking including sexual objectification, disloyalty, incompetence and blame. Children feel anxiety and depression after experiencing sexual molestation. Girls tend to express their emotions in the form of uneasiness, depression, and anger, whereas boys tend to externalize their emotions in a more aggressive way, and this may lead to antisocial behavior and criminality among maltreated youngsters. Currently there is no proper therapy for PTSD related to sexual exploitation. The prevalence of PTSD among sexual abuse survivors is higher than the national prevalence. Increased understanding of the domains of sexual exploitation trauma could help to develop the most effective treatment.