From Vulnerability to Security: A Journey of Survival from Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This study delves into the experiences of adult survivors from childhood sexual abuse in the province of Southern Leyte. It aims to look into the negative experiences of the adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse as well as the coping mechanisms they use to overcome traumatic experiences. Through a qualitative research using Collaizi’s descriptive phenomenological data analysis, six emergent themes were identified. The identified themes cover the following: 1) Vulnerability comes when non- abusive guardians are away; 2) helplessness is learned; 3) late disclosure of the abusive acts, 4) security from the abusers’ comeback; 5) therapy with a sexually abused child and; 6) resiliency in adversity. The findings indicated that both the non-abusive guardian who trusted their female child to a male guardian and those who have knowledge about child sexual abuse but failed to report to the police have participation in the occurrence of sexual abuse. Hence, our study recommended for criminalizing their act as a proactive response. The study also suggests that the police officers who responded to child abuse cases should consider more weight on providing security than to give justice to the victim. A further research on the intervention received by the victims of childhood sexual abuse from the police officers and social workers might contribute to the value added by this study.