TeenHealthFX - Answers - Will Sexual Abuse Victims Become Sexual Abusers?

Childhood Sexual Abuse / Question
Published: October 22, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

say a child is sexually abused and doesn't get help for it. what are the chances he/she will become an abuser?

Signed: Will Sexual Abuse Victims Become Sexual Abusers?

Dear Will Sexual Abuse Victims Become Sexual Abusers?,

Conflicting studies about this issue have been presented over the years. However, more recent studies on the cycle of sexual abuse indicate that childhood sexual victimization does not necessarily lead to adult sexual offending. What a lot of researchers are now finding is that there are other factors which play significant roles, particularly the impact of a dysfunctional family on the child. For example, one study found that sexually victimized children who came from homes with a family history of violence, sexual abuse by a female, neglect from the mother, and a lack of supervision are more much more likely to repeat the cycle of sexual abuse than children who were sexually abused and did not live in these types of home environments. Another study, presented to congress by General Accounting, found that children who were neglected were more likely to be adult sexual offenders than children who were sexually abused.

So it is important to remember that if you have been a victim of any kind of abuse, you are not automatically fated to repeat the same kind of abuse. Victims of various types of abuse can certainly go on to lead productive lives and to make healthy choices in their lives. However, keep in mind that a big part of the way that victims of abuse are able to do this is that they have been through therapy and/or they have surrounded themselves with people who are genuinely loving, supportive, and caring.

If you have been abused and ever notice any thoughts or behaviors in yourself that raise concern there is a risk you might continue with the cycle of abuse, or if you find that you are having a hard time functioning in any area of your life because of the abuse, FX recommends that you seek out treatment for yourself as soon as possible to deal with the thoughts and feelings that can be associated with such horrific experiences. It is never too late to reach out for help.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

You can also contact the Child Abuse Hotline, at 1-800-792-8610, 24 hours, 7 days a week to report your sexual abuse and to get help.

If you were a victim of sexual abuse and have thought about abusing others or have abused other, FX strongly encourages you to seek treatment so that you can deal with these issues and learn to control you urges and impulses. You can call the Sexual Abuser Treatment Referral Line at 1-802-247-3132, Monday-Friday from 9am-4:30pm to locate treatment providers who work with individuals with sexual behavior problems.

Signed: TeenHealthFX