This is the first of a two-part report that critically evaluates
empirical studies on the short- and long-term effects of child sexual
abuse. With the exception of sexualized behavior, the majority of
short-term effects noted in the literature are symptoms that
characterize child clinical samples in general. Among adolescents,
commonly reported sequelae include sexual dissatisfaction,
promiscuity, homosexuality, and an increased risk for
revictimization. Depression and suicidal ideation or behavior also
appear to be more common among victims of sexual abuse compared to
normal and psychiatric nonabused controls. Frequency and duration of
abuse, abuse involving penetration, force, or violence, and a close
relationship to the perpetrator appear to be the most harmful in terms
of long-lasting effects on the child. The high prevalence of marital
breakdown and psychopathology among parents of children who are
sexually abused makes it difficult to determine the specific impact of
sexual abuse over and above the effects of a disturbed home
environment. Given the broad range of outcome among sexual abuse
victims, as well as the methodological weaknesses present in many of
the studies reviewed, it is not possible at this time to postulate the
existence of a "post-sexual-abuse-syndrome" with a specific course or
outcome.