ABSTRACT
As we have already seen in Chapter 3, the experience of childhood sexual abuse has major effects on and implications for the survivor’s sexuality. Many of the effects are subtle and pervasive, and may not manifest themselves simply as problems with sexual relationships. Child sexual abuse can affect:
— her body image; — her concept of herself as a sexual person; — her view of herself as a woman; — her attitudes and beliefs about sex; — her knowledge about sexual and physical functioning; — her automatic reactions to touch and sex; — her ability to cope with intimacy and expressions of affection; — her sexual behaviour; — her confidence about her sexual orientation.
