Childhood sexual abuse robs children of their innocence and their ability to fit in with their peers. Undisclosed abuse creates distance between the child and parent because there is a secret that must be kept. By its nature it teaches the child to lie in order to maintain the secret. It creates isolation because it’s not safe to let anyone get too close. Robin’s guest, Dr. Gary Bell points out that “the consequences of how children feel about themselves can really wreak their lives in high school” in the form of reckless behavior, unsafe sex, drug & alcohol use and other ways of acting out. D
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