These aftereffects have been found at the time the abuse occurred as well as long after it has ended. The survivor may be highly symptomatic at times and relatively asymptomatic at others. The victim may alternate between the two in order to find temporary relief from the awareness of the trauma and the unpleasant emotions associated with it. Difficulties and dysfunctions in sexual functioning may occur, including arousal response, satisfaction, sexual development, and confusion over sexual identity. Relations with others are marked by mistrust and a belief that others are dangerous.
Relationships are frequently unstable and difficult to develop.
Sexual child abuse is now identified as traumatic because of its high potential for damage at the time of its occurrence and into adulthood. Additionally, research has found that sexual abuse generally occurs over a period of years and escalates over its duration. This has the additional effect of interfering with the child's maturation and development in such a way that posttraumatic responses can be incorporated into the developing child's personality and behavior. As noted earlier, post-sexual abuse reactions have been found highly correlated to Borderline and Multiple Personality Disorders, and to other personality disturbances as well. The aftereffects exhibited by the sexually abused child may be alternately re-experienced or suppressed.