SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHILDHOOD: ADULT SURVIVORS

Course overview

The United States Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act defines sexual abuse as the use of, persuasion, or coercion of any child to engage in sexually explicit conduct (or any simulation of such conduct) or producing any visual depiction of such conduct, or rape, molestation, prostitution, or incest with children. Adult survivors of abuse often experience feelings of fear, guilt, shame, and anger, and respond with self-hatred, low self-esteem, and denial. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of adult survivors of sexual abuse in childhood, including the clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.