Child Sexual Abuse and Effects of the Trauma in Adulthood: A Qualitative study via Contemporary Sociological and Psychological Research on the Stigma around Childhood Sexual Abuse

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) remains a pervasive yet largely underreported issue in Bangladesh. Despite growing awareness, this form of abuse is often obscured by a culture of silence, which is a systemic discouragement of open discussion to preserve family honor and avoid public shame. Coupled with social stigma, which results in blame and judgment toward survivors, these cultural barriers contribute to chronic underreporting, lack of legal recourse, and inadequate psychosocial support. This study explores the long-term psychosocial impacts of CSA and examines how survivors in Bangladesh navigate familial, social, and cultural responses to their abuse. The research draws on feminist theory, which situates CSA within patriarchal power structures; family systems theory, which critiques dysfunctional family dynamics and parental denial; and attachment theory, which links early trauma with lasting emotional and relational difficulties. Employing a qualitative design, the study used purposive and snowball sampling to recruit 40 adult survivors aged 20–28 who experienced CSA between the ages of 4 and 15. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth virtual interviews during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis revealed that 70% of participants did not recognize the abuse at the time. Many reported persistent psychological effects, including anxiety, depression, and trust issues. Survivors also cited poor parental response, emotional isolation, and lack of institutional support as exacerbating factors. Findings underscore the urgent need for culturally sensitive interventions. Recommendations include age-appropriate CSA education in school curricula, improved parent-child communication, and access to trauma-informed mental health services. The study advocates for breaking cultural taboos, fostering survivor-centered discourse, and implementing policy reforms to support prevention and recovery. Addressing CSA requires confronting systemic silence and reshaping societal norms to protect vulnerable children and support healing across the lifespan.