Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

 CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE 
One form of sexual behavior that is surprisingly common yet little understood is the 
sexual abuse of children. Although it is diffi cult to make accurate estimates of the 
true incidence of child sexual abuse because most cases go unreported, experts esti-
mate that each year a half million children are sexually abused. Between 5–10% of 
boys and 20% of girls will be abused at some point (Villarosa, 2002; Finkelhor & 
Jones, 2004; see Figure 5). 
Who commits child sexual abuse? In most cases it is a relative or acquaintance; 
in only about one-quarter of the cases is the abuse carried out by a stranger. The 
most vulnerable age for being molested is between the ages of 7 and 13; the abusers 
tend to be about 20 years older than their victims. In most instances, the abuser is a 
male heterosexual. Furthermore, there are increasing cases of child predators using 
the web to make contact with potential victims (Wolfe, 1999; Finkelhor, Ormrod, & 
Turner, 2005). 
The short- and long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse can be 
extremely damaging. In terms of initial effects, victims report fear, anxiety, depres-
sion, anger, and hostility. Long-term effects may include depression, self-destructive 
behavior, feelings of isolation, poor self-esteem, and substance abuse. Although they 
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372 Chapter 
11 
Sexuality and Gender
may experience sexual diffi culties later in life, the victims are not more likely to 
become sexual abusers themselves. Ultimately, the consequences of childhood sexual 
abuse are related to the specifi c nature of the abuse. Experiences involving fathers, 
genital contact, and the use of force are the most damaging (Berliner & Elliott, 2002; 
Penza, Heim, & Nemeroff, 2006; Buzi, Weinman, & Smith, 2007).