The research and clinical findings of the last 15 years have identified the wide range and severity of damage in the aftermath of sexual child abuse. These findings are now being substantiated and expanded by current research and theory-building. What follows is an overview of major findings regarding the damaging aftereffects of sexual child abuse, many of which will be encountered by the practicing clinician. Survivors' retention of memory varies. In fact, some have full knowledge of their abuse and seek therapy to work on its effects, while others have vague and sketchy recollections that may be accompanied by strong psychological defenses that prevent their remembering more about the abuse.
Many survivors are also extremely fearful of accepting the reality of the abuse.
The clinician must, first and foremost, be aware of these symptoms as possible indicators of abuse. He or she must also know how to sensitively assist the individual in identifying and remembering the past. The primary aftereffects of abuse can be categorized in seven distinct but not mutually exclusive categories. 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.