ABSTRACT
In recent years, both clinical and research literature have increased their attention on studying the effects o f child sexual abuse (CSA). This chapter will confine its scope to the abuse victim as an adult. Primary emphasis will be placed on the psychosocial effects o f CSA on the functioning o f adults, conceptual frameworks for understanding such effects, and the assessment and treatment of adults who experienced sexual abuse in childhood. An attempt will be made to address issues relevant to both women and men; however, as will be discussed, much of what we know about the effects o f CSA on adults comes from studies of adult women. Therefore, unless specifically mentioned, the information presented will relate to female victims o f CSA.
