3.4 Sexual Trauma in Youth and Associated Symptoms: A Systematic Review

Sexual trauma negatively impacts the lives of many young men and women, 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 5 girls. In the United States, 16% of youth ages 14 to 17 years have been sexually victimized during a 1-year period, whereas over a course of lifetime, the rate increases to 28%. Despite its impact on individuals’ health, the evidence-based data are attenuated. Early recognition and appropriate intervention with the right treatment are imperative. The objective is to identify the most common symptoms related to sexual trauma in youth.