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Common symptoms and long-term effects of sexual abuse

It is important to remember that each individual’s reaction to trauma they’ve experienced is unique. If you are a sexual abuse survivor, you may or may not experience some of the symptoms or events listed below. Seek help from a professional to discuss and work through these symptoms.

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  • Frequent sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares, night terrors, sleeping too much)
  • Flashbacks
  • Dissociation or losing time
  • Difficulty managing emotions
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, powerlessness, shame, or feeling "dirty"
  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and hypervigilence
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts and attempts, feeling destructive
  • Cutting, self injury, or self mutilation
  • Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, and/or compulsive overeating)
  • Body image issues
  • Difficulty with or avoiding relationships, automatic lack of trust of others
  • Avoidance of appropriate and consensual sexual intimacy
  • Addictions and compulsions (alcohol, drugs, food, gambling, spending, pornography)
  • Body memories, somatic symptoms
  • Poor boundaries with others (too permissive or too rigid)
  • Difficulties nurturing yourself or caring for yourself appropriately