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Effects of Sexual Abuse in Florida

Medical research has connected sexual abuse to a variety of symptoms that can affect abused children long into adulthood, such as physical issues that manifest soon after the abuse and long-term psychological effects thereafter. As a result, it is crucial to understand the effects of sexual abuse in West Palm Beach when seeking to file a comprehensive lawsuit and pursue compensation for related damages. Get in touch with a seasoned sexual abuse attorney to learn more.

Sexual Abuse Effects on Children

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines child sexual abuse as any sexual activity with a child where the child does not or cannot consent. Some instances of this misconduct in West Palm Beach occur when a child is as young as an infant, which can result in physical damage that can seriously threaten a child’s health.

While physical symptoms resulting from sexual abuse may be obvious, the subsequent emotional toll may be less apparent but equally as impactful on a child’s life. A survivor of child sexual abuse could be emotionally withdrawn, unable to cope with stress or anxiety, and may lash out at their parents or other children. A qualified doctor should be able to recognize these symptoms, and a qualified attorney can help victims pursue compensation for related losses.

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How Childhood Sexual Abuse Impacts People in Adulthood

Sexual abuse may have a devastating effect on a child both in the short term and the long term. Studies have revealed a comprehensive collection of physical and emotional symptoms that can affect victims of childhood sexual abuse well into adulthood.

Typical physical symptoms that survivors of sexual abuse may endure include:

Chronic pain
A lower pain threshold
Self-neglect
Drug or alcohol abuse
Obesity
Gynecological problems for females

Survivors also commonly suffer from a variety of emotional or psychological effects. It is not uncommon for adults to experience PTSD, anxiety, depression, and/or flashbacks that result from repressed childhood memories. As a whole, the effects of sexual abuse in West Palm Beach vary from person to person, but virtually all of them may serve as the catalyst for a sexual abuse lawsuit against the person responsible or an entity that harbored them.

Seeking Restitution in West Palm Beach for the Effects of Sexual Abuse

The effects of sexual abuse in West Palm Beach is severe. A single instance of unwanted sexual contact can inflict serious physical harm that can impact a child’s health for years to come. In addition, children who are the victims of sexual abuse may become emotionally withdrawn, may lash out in anger, or may carry a chronic mistrust for other people.

In other cases, the outcome of childhood sexual abuse does not manifest until the child reaches adulthood. These victims may suffer from a variety of physical and mental conditions that can range from chronic pain to anxiety and severe eating disorders.

It could be essential to recognize the fact that your medical conditions may be the result of sexual abuse that occurred in your past. An attorney can work with you to trace these symptoms to instances of past sexual abuse and hold at-fault parties responsible for their actions, so call today to get started.