Silenced voices, lasting effects of child sexual abuse and coping strategies: na integrative review

Authors

  • Thanise Lima Vieira Secretaria Municipal de Curitiba
  • Luciana Elisabete Savaris Secretaria Municipal da Saúde

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.44.124.AO14

Abstract

The epidemiological bulletin of the Ministry of Health, published in 2023, reports that 202.948 cases of sexual abuse against children and adolescents were recorded from 2015 to 2021. The lack of visibility of this issue highlights the need for greater understanding of how such traumas impact the development of children and adolescents. This study aims to understand the long-term effects of child sexual abuse and trauma-coping strategies. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted, with eligibility criteria including articles indexed in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) between 2019 and 2024, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Duplicates, theses, dissertations, books, articles outside the research theme, and non-open access publications were excluded. Results: The most common psychological effects are post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Physical effects observed include sleep disorders and chronic diseases, along with risk behaviors such as alcohol use, psychoactive substance use, and self-harm. Social support, resilience, and trauma reframing were identified as effective coping strategies, while denial and risk behaviors were considered negative strategies. Conclusions: Child sexual abuse produces biopsychosocial effects. This study contributes to broader knowledge and professional training, guiding prevention actions and strategies for qualified care and support for victims, as well as strengthening child protection policies and public awareness.

Descriptors: childhood sexual abuse; adolescents; family violence; mental health; underreporting.

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

Lima Vieira, T., & Elisabete Savaris, L. (2026). Silenced voices, lasting effects of child sexual abuse and coping strategies: na integrative review. Psicologia Argumento, 44(124), 1569–1584. https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.44.124.AO14