Child sexual abuse: consequences and implications

J Pediatr Health Care. 2010 Nov-Dec;24(6):358-64. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Aug 28.

Abstract

Sexual abuse is a problem of epidemic proportions in the United States. Given the sheer numbers of sexually abused children, it is vital for pediatric nurse practitioners to understand both short-term and long-term consequences of sexual abuse. Understanding consequences of sexual abuse can assist the pediatric nurse practitioner in anticipating the physical and mental health needs of patients and also may assist in the identification of sexual abuse victims. Sexual abuse typically does not occur in isolation. Implications for practice will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child Welfare
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nurse Practitioners*
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / etiology
  • Pediatrics*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / epidemiology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Substance-Related Disorders
  • United States / epidemiology