Impact of Child Sexual Abuse on Survivors’ Physical & Mental Health, Spirituality

The resource explores the impact of childhood sexual abuse from several perspectives, emphasizing that the full effects of abuse are difficult to comprehend and can continue throughout a survivor’s life. It discusses how childhood sexual abuse can contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, and behavioral difficulties, while research also connects childhood trauma to changes in brain development, learning and memory, physical health, and accelerated biological aging. The resource highlights the heightened vulnerability of children experiencing humanitarian crises, armed conflict, displacement, and refugee situations, where sexual violence, trafficking, and exploitation can be compounded by limited access to protection and support. A major theme throughout is the importance of listening to survivors and allowing them to share their stories without shame or stigma, transforming narratives from victimization toward survival, resilience, empowerment, and healing. The speakers also emphasize the role of communities, faith-based organizations, governments, and other institutions in creating safe spaces, strengthening support systems, challenging social norms that perpetuate sexual violence, and holding perpetrators accountable.