Childhood Sexual Abuse and Its Impact

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often carry trauma that affects many areas of their lives. When abuse is ongoing and carried out by a trusted adult, it can disrupt emotional development, making it difficult to trust others, manage emotions, and feel safe.

Healing is not “one size fits all.” At the STAR Centre, we tailor our support to each woman’s individual needs, drawing on our experience of working with survivors since 1988.

Many survivors do not speak about the abuse at the time, often due to fear, shame, or being told they would not be believed. Grooming -of both the child and sometimes the wider family - can play a significant role in keeping the abuse hidden. Conflicting feelings, especially when the abuser is a family member, can also make disclosure difficult.

It is common for survivors to have gaps in memory or to have dissociated during the abuse. This can make recalling events clearly and in order challenging.

The effects of trauma may include flashbacks, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulties with emotional regulation. Physical symptoms such as sleep problems and nightmares are also common.

Childhood sexual abuse can deeply affect trust and relationships. Some survivors may struggle to form close connections, while others may enter relationships quickly, sometimes forming intense or trauma-based bonds.