Studies of the prevalence of sexual abuse are those involving adults that explore the extent to which they experience sexual victimization during their childhoods. Findings are somewhat inconsistent for several reasons. First, the definition of sexual abuse and secondly, definitions may differ based on the age difference between victim and offender.

By definition, the sexual abuse of children occurs when someone imposes sexual behavior on a young person who may not understand what is happening. The abuse is usually taking place against the younger person’s will. Child sexual abuse victims range in age from infancy to adolescence. Some reports indicate that one third to one half of the victims is under the age of seven. According to one report, it is estimated that approximately 7

Several mental disorders have been linked to childhood sexual abuse. Some dramatic and well-publicized cases involving allegations of childhood sexual abuse have raised very controversial issues, such as the right of children's testimony and recovered memories of sexual abuse.

Children who have been sexually abused may show symptoms or changes in behavior. Some common symptoms are Regression, such as thumb sucking, clingy behavior, and bladder control; Sleeping disturbances, such as wetting the bed or a fear of sleeping alone; Eating disorders, such as bulimia, overeating, and anorexia.

In short term effect, children develop a form of Pseudo maturity, this problem is aimed at the child’s keeping their parents happy. The child becomes self critical and develops a lack of self esteem. The child may also seem to be wary of human contact and lack emotional reactions. Another short term effect involves the behavior of children who have been neglected. Neglected children are generally rated as having low self c

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