Girls' Lived Experience of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Study

Child sexual abuse is a significant public health issue and a major threat to the mental well-being of children. A child who experiences sexual abuse is at a greater risk of facing other negative childhood experiences. Understanding the risk factors and effects of sexual abuse is crucial for accurately assessing and preventing this issue.

The present study aimed to investigate the lived experience of girls who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. In this study, 8 girls who had experienced childhood sexual abuse were selected using purposive sampling and were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. It should be noted that sampling continued until data saturation was achieved. The data were initially recorded, coded, and then analyzed using the Colaizzi method in order to conduct the analysis.

The analysis of girls' experiences of sexual abuse yielded four themes: lack of betrayal, self-blame, stigmatization, and psychological trauma.

This study emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and increasing the attention of families and social institutions in supporting children and preventing sexual abuse in girls.