The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Interpersonal Relationships: A Cross-Sectional Study in Trinidad

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive social problem that can have long-term effects on women's relationships because it makes them vulnerable to revictimization. Girls are more vulnerable than boys to be victims of CSA, and those abused by someone they trust are at higher risk of experiencin...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of international women's studies Vol. 26; no. 3; pp. 1 - 15
Main Author Marson, Bernadette
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Bridgewater Bridgewater State College 01.05.2024
Subjects
Abused women
Adults
Boys
Child sexual abuse
Childhood
Children
Cross-sectional studies
Education policy
Educational programs
Educational research
Feminism
Girls
Interpersonal problems
Interpersonal relations
Long term
Methodological problems
Pedophilia
Personal relationships
Prevention programs
Psychological trauma
Quantitative analysis
Revictimization
Sex crimes
Sexual abuse
Trauma
Victimization
Vulnerability
Women
Trinidad & Tobago
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Summary:Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive social problem that can have long-term effects on women's relationships because it makes them vulnerable to revictimization. Girls are more vulnerable than boys to be victims of CSA, and those abused by someone they trust are at higher risk of experiencing increased trauma and interpersonal problems. This quantitative research study investigated the association between CSA and interpersonal relationships. Participants completed anonymous surveys exploring these two variables. Results showed that among other vulnerabilities, women who reported sexual abuse within the family reported overall greater interpersonal problems compared with non-abused participants. Given the prevalence of intrafamilial and other types of CSA and its impact on interpersonal relationships, providing an environment where girls are safe from abuse is important. Research, education, policy, and educational programs can help prevent CSA and its consequences.
ISSN:1539-8706