Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Lives of Black Women: Risk and Resilience in a Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with long-term mental health consequences. This article reviews the results of one longitudinal study, whose sample consisted primarily of African American women. The purpose is to give voice to an understudied group of CSA survivors and to highlight the variability in risk and protective factors. Key findings related to mental health consequences, re-traumatization, and resilience are reviewed and set within the broader context of research on African American women and child sexual abuse. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. © 2002 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.