Child sex crime survivors in Pennsylvania experience a wide variety of negative emotions that diminish the quality of personal and professional relationships. Acute fear and anxiety lead to a lifetime of mistrusting other people, especially adults. Shame and embarrassment make it difficult to develop strong social bonds, as well as interact with family members. If not addressed immediately after an act or acts of child sex abuse, a victim can develop clinically diagnosed anxiety, eating, and/or personality disorders. PTSD symptoms are particularly prevalent among victims of violent sex crimes.
Child sex abuse victims also can suffer from physical symptoms that are associated with criminal acts. Physical symptoms, such as pain and cardiopulmonary distress, develop right away after suffering from an act of sexual abuse. Other types of physical symptoms, such as obesity and reproductive issues, can take several months or even years to develop symptoms.
Child sex crime survivors frequently spend a lifetime addressing the negative consequences of physical and emotional distress issues.