Protecting Against and Healing From Child and Adolescent Sexual Violence Among Gender Expansive Populations: An Integrative Review

Child and Adolescent Sexual Violence (CASV) encompasses a range of nonconsensual sexual experiences (abuse, assault, and harassment) with significant impacts on mental health, relationships, and future victimization risk. The unique healing processes relative to gender expansive populations are understudied. An integrative review was conducted to understand the demographic representation of gender expansive identities in CASV research, examine how healing is conceptualized, and identify factors promoting healing after CASV among gender expansive individuals. Six databases were systematically searched in February 2024 and July 2025. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria: gender expansive participants, CASV victimization, and discussion of healing/growth from the sexual trauma. All the included studies were empirical; nine used quantitative correlational or exploratory analysis, and six were qualitative. There was little consistency in methods of measuring gender identity. Using three models of resilience theory, pathways toward healing occurred via risk reduction (e.g., family/school supports), protective factors (e.g., belonging and interpersonal connections), and promotive factors (e.g., sense of self, resistance, and meaning-making). Themes of healing included individual factors (e.g., self-esteem and resilience), contextual factors (e.g., access to resources and spirituality), and resistance (e.g., self-advocacy, pride in identity, and community). Nonbinary identity was notably absent, and comparisons across gender identities could not be made due to small samples. Research, policy, and clinical implications are discussed, including limitations of current measurement of gender identity. Our results suggest healing from CASV occurs in multiple contexts. Removing barriers to accessing services, fostering community, and interventions related to resilience and self-esteem can promote healing from CASV among this population.