Mental and Sexual Health Status of Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Implications for Helping Professionals

Objectives This study explored the mental and sexual health status among adult female survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to inform community-based helping professionals.Methods Data were collected anonymously via a structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and sexuality-related variables, using convenience sampling. Informed consent was obtained prior to participation.Results Based on the measures included in the questionnaire and the data analyses conducted in this study, women with CSA histories (N = 53) reported significantly higher levels of sexual anxiety, sexual fear, and sexual depression than women without CSA (N = 318). Survivors also exhibited poor self-esteem, reduced life satisfaction and alongside elevated sexual desire and frequency of sexual activity, suggesting a complex relationship between early sexual trauma and adult sexual expression.Conclusions The findings underscore the importance of targeted support services and educational initiatives to promote prevention, recovery, and empowerment among CSA survivors. Interventions addressing mental and sexual health are essential for enhancing the resilience and quality of life of CSA survivors.