Sexual Abuse: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Sexual Abuse?
Many people first see a primary care doctor, an emergency room doctor, or a pediatrician. A child abuse pediatrician is trained to examine children who may have been abused. A therapist, a counselor trained in trauma, helps with healing. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that happens without your consent. That means it happens even though you do not agree to it. It is also called sexual assault or sexual violence.
It includes touching or kissing, rape, and attempted rape. It also includes acts without contact. Examples are being forced to look at sexual images, unwanted sexual texts, or sexual threats. Anyone can be a victim. Many victims first experience it during childhood. Most victims are girls and women, but many boys and men are victims too.
If you have been sexually abused, it is never your fault. It is something that happens to you.
Symptoms
Sexual abuse can have many health effects. Some last a lifetime. Physical effects include:
- Bruises or genital injuries.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which are infections passed through sexual contact.
- Pregnancy.
- Ongoing problems with female reproductive health, digestive disorders, the heart, or sexual health.
Mental health effects include depression, anxiety, and PTSD, a lasting stress reaction after a frightening event. Some people have thoughts about suicide. If that happens, get help right away, as shown below.
Some people have no physical injuries or other signs. Many children show no signs of harm. Signs of stress in children can include pulling away from family, trouble in school, anger, nightmares, and avoiding certain adults.
Causes and who gets it
Sexual abuse can happen with physical force or threats. It can also happen with sexual coercion, which means being pressured, tricked, or threatened into sex. Alcohol or drugs may also be used.
A person who abuses may be a stranger, but more often it is someone you know. This can be a friend, a coworker, a neighbor, a family member, or a current or past partner, including a spouse. Both men and women commit sexual abuse.
With children, the abuser is usually someone the child knows. Abusers often use words instead of physical force. The abuse can happen more than once. In the United States, about 1 in every 4 girls will experience some form of child sexual abuse. So will 1 in every 13 boys.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor or nurse can check your health after sexual abuse. They will ask health questions, for example about the assault or recent sexual activity. They can check for injuries and infections. If you choose, they can also collect samples and write down any injuries.
It is your choice whether you are examined. You can have some parts of the exam but not others. A child abuse pediatrician provides medical evaluations for children who may have experienced abuse.
Treatment
Medical care covers injuries. The doctor or nurse can also offer emergency contraception or protection from certain STIs. Studies show that talk therapy called Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) can help victims cope with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Support also matters. Getting support after sexual abuse may help you cope better and reduce the long-term effects. Victim services like rape crisis centers may offer a safe, healing place to find support. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to reach help near you.
When to see a doctor
You should get medical help for any injuries. You may also be at risk of pregnancy or STIs. If you want the crime investigated, it is best to have a forensic medical examination as soon as possible.
If you are in danger or need medical care, call 911. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for bleeding that will not stop, severe belly pain, or trouble breathing. If you are thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can listen and check for injuries and infections. They can also help you reach trauma therapy or a rape crisis center.
Common questions
What counts as sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual activity, with or without physical contact. It includes touching, kissing, rape, being forced to look at sexual images, and unwanted sexual texts or threats.
Is sexual abuse ever the victim's fault?
No, sexual abuse is never the victim's fault. No one who has been assaulted should be blamed for something that they did or did not do.
Who commits sexual abuse?
It is most often someone the victim knows, such as a friend, coworker, neighbor, family member, or current or past partner. A stranger can also commit it, and both men and women do.
Do I have to report sexual abuse to the police to get help?
No, you do not have to report it to the police if you do not want to. You can still get medical help for injuries. You can also get help for the risk of pregnancy or STIs. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.
What kind of therapy helps after sexual abuse?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is one therapy that studies show can help victims cope with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Sexual Assault
- NHS - Help after rape and sexual assault
- HealthyChildren.org - Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
