The effects of abuse are more severe when the child is victimized at an early age. The child who is not old enough to understand that sexual abuse is wrong becomes vulnerable to sexual exploitation by others later in life. Sexually abused adolescents often suffer from low self-esteem. The sexual abuse has led them to believe that they are not worthy individuals. They frequently have feelings of disgust toward themselves and their bodies.
Females are more likely than males to feel guilty about the abuse and to feel powerless.
Adolescent girls often experience problems in interpersonal relationships and have a fear of intimacy. They may become emotionally withdrawn. They are also more likely to engage in prostitution and other promiscuous activities. Because of the stigma associated with homosexuality the adolescent male is usually hesitant to report the abuse. Most adolescent males are socialized to keep their feelings and problems to themselves.