The legacy of untreated abuse on our society is devastating:

A Survey in 1994 (Porter) of clients in a detoxification unit shown that 90% of women and 37% of men had experienced child sexual abuse before the age of 16.

60% of people who deliberately self harm reported abuse in childhood
(Favazza and Conterio 1998).

Adults who experience child sexual abuse are 12 times more likely to attempt suicide.
(Felitti and Adna, American Journal of Preventative Medicine 1998).

40% of women in mental health services have been sexually abused
(Working in Partnership, Department of Health 1994)

In 1992 a report by CHAR (Campaign for Homeless People) found that over 40% of homeless girls were fleeing from sexual abuse.

30-70% of women prisoners have been sexually abused (Survey by HM Inspectorate or Prisons 1997)

Abuse survivors may have twice the rate of cancer, heart disease and chronic bronchitis
(Acierno Behavioural Medicine 1997)

Other repercussions on victims today may be less dramatic but personally just as devastating. From depression and loneliness to addictive behaviours, to suicidal feelings and engaging in self harming activities. Also the tendency to find an abusive partner and so the cycle continues.

Damage Of Abuse
You may say, though that in some areas of life abused people you know, or you yourself as an abused person function very well, and do not have any problems with relating to people at work, or in your career you may be very successful; and even used in your community or church.

However, the problems usually are revealed as soon as you start entering into a relationship with someone, especially with a possible partner. As it is then most clearly the issues, fear and pain of abuse will surface. This is because we can live well in performing mode but not very well when we are in close relationships.

This makes relationships and intimacy extremely difficult and painful for both you and the other person. It is for this reason that we need to look at the damage of abuse in order to go forward with our lives.

Personal Effects of Abuse

Although everyone has some emotional difficulties, people who have suffered sexual abuse often experience strong expressions of emotion that show deep underlying problems: