Psychological consequences of childhood sexual abuse: issues in the Sri Lankan context

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the psychological consequences of childhood sexual abuse in the Sri Lankan context. It discusses the status of the literature on childhood sexual abuse in the country and goes on to present childhood sexual abuse as a traumatic incident that is characterised by four commonly seen manifestations. Each of these characteristics are explored and illustrated with case vignettes that serve to highlight the salient points. Finally, the papers elucidates the main barriers in Sri Lanka that need to be surmounted in order to have an integrated service delivery in the care of the sexually abused child, and, presents some suggestions to enhance such existing services.