Individual costs of sexual abuse

The Individual Effects of Sexual Abuse on Children

It may take decades to understand the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse. Because the trauma is so great, many people block out the abuse or are unable to connect the abuse to the difficulties they have experienced throughout their lives. The consequences for every individual survivor will vary depending on whether he or she had a support system, whether the abuser was stopped early on, and whether the individual was able to confront the abuser.

For more information about the individual costs of sexual abuse, contact the Law Offices of Timothy D. Kosnoff

Victims of child sexual abuse or child molestation are much more likely to suffer long-term psychological and emotional problems. It is common for victims to have anger and depression problems, sexual problems, drug and alcohol dependency, antisocial behavior, and other difficulties throughout their lives. Many studies, including "Wounds That Time Won't Heal, " have shown that sexual abuse at an early age can actually have enduring effects on brain development and function.

The long-term effects of abuse may include:

• Fear, anxiety, or depression
• Anger, hostility, or aggression
• Inappropriate sexual behavior
• Self-destructive behavior
• Drug abuse
• Alcohol abuse
• Tendency towards re-victimization (increased likelihood of abuse by another abuser) )
• Sexual maladjustment (compulsion, addiction, or extreme aversion)
• Flashbacks (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD))
• Marital difficulties

§ Loss of the ability to trust

Emotional Effects: Therapy Can Help

There are a number of ways to cope with abuse. Many types of sexual abuse therapy have been shown to help victims regain control over their lives. However, traditional talk therapy for victims of child abuse may not be enough; most experts believe a combination of cognitive and behavioral therapy is best. Both therapies work together to remove the power that traumatic memories hold over people. Eventually, the therapies aim to free survivors from the anxiety and depression that have plagued their lives.

Cognitive therapy works to change thoughts about the abuse that are self-defeating and simply incorrect, such as thoughts that the victims are in any way to blame for the abuse. Behavioral therapy tries to change the behaviors, such as heavy drinking, that often come with the emotional and mental effects of child sexual abuse. (To read more, please see the article "How Deep the Scars of Abuse.")

Mental Effects: Bringing the Offender to Justice Can Also Help

Many people find it very therapeutic to bring those who abused them to justice. Attorney Timothy D. Kosnoff has devoted his career as a lawyer to fighting sexual abusers to provide justice and protection against future abuse for survivors. He has spent over 10 years aggressively pursuing cases not only against individual abusers, but also against institutions that have allowed abuse to occur.

Attorney Kosnoff is available for anyone who believes he or she, or a loved one, suffered sexual abuse as a child. He will treat you with the utmost compassion while aggressively going after those responsible. His work as a lawyer has become well-known because of his hundreds of successes on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse -- but, as he will readily tell you, the true heroes are the people who stand up against their abusers and make sure that the sexual predators never hurt another person again.

Contact our Lawyer

If you have any questions or would like to sign up for a free initial consultation, please call Tim Kosnoff at 425.837.9690, or 206.676.7610 within the Seattle area, or email our office All conversations will be kept confidential, and even if you are unsure about a lawsuit, Mr. Kosnoff can direct you to the assistance you need. Above all, remember: You can do something about the effects of sexual abuse. All you have to do is ask for help.

"Getting justice, dignity and compensation for survivors of childhood sexual abuse is what matters."

We will handle your case confidentially and discreetly. For more information about our firm and services, contact the Law Office of Timothy Kosnoff

Free initial consultations • We assist survivors in Washington State, Idaho, and nationally