Childhood Sex Abuse Leads to Lifelong Problems

Navigating the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse is a journey that no one should have to endure alone. If you've experienced such trauma, it's important to recognize that the emotions and challenges you face are valid and deeply personal. You might grapple with feelings of fear, anger, and betrayal alongside struggles with trust and intimacy in relationships. These internal battles can manifest in various aspects of your life, potentially leading to lifelong problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. It's not uncommon to feel isolated in your experiences, but please know that many who have walked this path understand and share your feelings. You are not alone.

Seeking justice for the harm you've endured is not just about holding the perpetrator accountable. It's a significant step towards reclaiming control over your life and initiating the healing process. Legal action can lead to compensation that, while it cannot erase the past, can provide the means to access therapy, support groups, and other healing resources. These resources can be instrumental in addressing the psychological and emotional impacts of abuse, helping you to build resilience and embark on a path toward recovery.

At Cerri, Boskovich, & Allard, we will walk with you through the legal process and help you collect the compensation you need to heal and grow. We know that pursuing justice and compensation isn't merely a legal battle—it's about forging a path toward a more hopeful and fulfilling future.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Kaiser Permanente's Health Appraisal Clinic in San Diego, more than one in five adults (20.7%) suffered sexual abuse as children. Women are especially vulnerable. The CDC report shows that nearly 1 in 4 women (24.7%) suffered childhood sexual abuse and molestation. 

Childhood sex abuse is leading to a lifetime of physical and mental complications. The studies have found that sexually abused children live, on average, 19 years less than children who are not abused. As a result, childhood sex abuse is linked to adolescent and adult self-harm, including suicide attempts, cutting, and self-starvation. Sadly, childhood sexual abuse is the single strongest predictor of suicide.

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest ever conducted investigations. The study assessed associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being.

Child sex abuse victims are at risk for the following health problems:

• Alcoholism and alcohol abuse
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Depression
• Fetal death
• Health-related quality of life
• Illicit drug use
• Ischemic heart disease (IHD)
• Liver disease
• Risk for intimate partner violence
• Multiple sexual partners
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Smoking
• Suicide attempts
• Unintended pregnancies
• Early initiation of smoking
• Early initiation of sexual activity
• Adolescent pregnancy

Lastly, from a criminal justice standpoint, studies are showing that more than 75% of girls in the juvenile justice system and 80% of women in prison and jails have been subjected to sexual/physical abuse.

Surviving childhood sexual trauma is an experience that undeniably leaves a profound impact on one's life. However, it's crucial to remember that while this trauma is part of your story, it doesn't have to dictate the narrative of your future. Recognizing the importance of seeking help and understanding the journey towards healing and recovery are fundamental steps in moving beyond the shadows of the past.

Timely intervention and support are pivotal for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it's a courageous step towards reclaiming your life. Professional support can provide you with the tools to navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise from such trauma. It can also mitigate some of the long-term effects of abuse, including severe mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Early intervention can improve resilience, reduce the risk of substance abuse, and help develop healthier relationships. Remember, healing begins the moment you decide to reach out for support.

Healing from childhood sexual abuse is a deeply personal and non-linear journey that varies from one individual to another. It's about gradually reclaiming your sense of self and living a fulfilling life despite the trauma you've endured. Recovery may involve:

• Therapy
• Support groups
• Self-care practices
• Building healthy relationships
• Seeking legal guidance and justice

Taking legal action against an abuser is a powerful step toward reclaiming control over one's life. For many survivors, seeking justice is a declaration of their resilience and strength. Having the court recognize the abuse and its impact can be profoundly validating, affirming that what happened to you was wrong and that your pain is acknowledged. This can be a crucial step toward healing.

Compensation awarded through legal proceedings can provide you and your loved ones with the financial resources needed to support recovery. This may cover costs related to therapy, medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses incurred as a result of the abuse. Access to such resources can relieve financial stress, allowing you to focus on healing. It can also afford you the opportunity to seek the best possible care and support, including specialized treatments and therapies that might otherwise be inaccessible.

The childhood sexual abuse attorneys at Cerri, Boskovich & Allard are here to help you and your family. Our track record working on behalf of child sexual abuse victims speaks for itself. Above all, we want to break societal silence by holding predators and their enablers accountable for their actions.

If you or a loved one has suffered childhood sexual abuse, please call the law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard. We can help guide you through this difficult time. Call our San Jose office at (408) 289-1417 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential consultation.