An autoethnographical witness on the long-term effects of child sexual abuse: a pastoral approach

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is not a new phenomenon, yet its occurrence remains hidden, with long-lasting effects that can impair many aspects of a victim’s life. Despite awareness of this human crisis, how victims carry permanent psychological, physical, psychosomatic, and spiritual scars is a subject rarely explored. This study aimed to examine child sexual abuse, its definitions and variations, as well as the long-term effects. Using an autoethnographic approach, the incidents of child sexual abuse, its long-term effects, and the environmental factors contributing to its incidence were investigated through the writer's personal story of CSA and validated against existing literature. By utilising Osmer's framework, this autoethnographic study goes beyond the personal narration of the story of child sexual abuse. The study serves as both an analytical and action-focused exploration of events that link individual experiences to broader systemic issues and possible solutions. This is conducted by examining the nature of the occurrences - what is happening, the underlying reasons - why it is happening, the standard approaches to the issues - what ought to be happening and providing practical solutions and actionable strategies - how might we respond.