SHORT-TERM CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

The main objective of the present study is to offer an update of the short-term consequences of child sexual abuse which have been found in current empirical national and international studies. Psychological symptoms were classified into five different categories: emotional, cognitive, relationship, functional and behavioral problems. Results showed that there are multiple and diverse psychological consequences related to the experience of child sexual abuse, impeding the establishment of a syndrome or group of symptoms characteristic of this type of victim which could facilitate its detection. There is a need for professionals to have a profound knowledge of these types of problems to positively influence the prompt detection of sexual abuse and, thus, effectively intervene with victims of this type.