Mental health consequences of child sexual abuse

Survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) can experience a variety of long-term mental health effects on their life trajectory, which brings them to the attention of mental health services. It is vital that the mental health nurse remains aware of the mental health consequences of CSA and receptive towards patients' efforts to disclose a history of CSA. Moreover, fundamentally, the mental health nurse should endeavour to consider his/her own personal feelings on this emotive subject. This article explores the mental health effects of CSA on pre-adolescent children, adolescents, and the long-term effects of CSA into adulthood.