Enhancing the Health Care Experiences of Adult Female Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This article addresses the medical issues presented by women who were sexually abused in childhood and provides a detailed and direct link between the existing literature and its implications for the medical system. A profile of the sexual abuse survivor is given, including child sexual abuse (CSA) characteristics and sequelae that influence the adult female survivor's health. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is outlined as part of a complex interplay of physiological and psychological symptomatology that can compromise the CSA survivor's ability to access health care treatment and forge a positive provider/patient relationship. This article emphasizes that effective treatment with sexual abuse survivors must include interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals. Management of the CSA patient, a case vignette illustrating salient themes, and finally, guidelines for the health care practitioner are presented.