The Effects of Sexual Abuse on Children: A Study of The Gaze

Abstract

Child’s sexual abuse is a reprehensible act that inflicts profound and lasting damage on a child's physical and psychological well-being. The devastating effects can persist into adulthood, shattering their innocence, warping their personality, and crippling their mental health. This study delves into the harrowing consequences of child sexual abuse, exploring its impact on the physical and mental development of survivors. Through close reading analysis of Elif Shafak's novel The Gaze, this research exposes the traumatic legacy of child sexual abuse, revealing how selfish desires can ravage a child's life. The study lays bare the horrific truth: child sexual abuse is not only a childhood tragedy, but also a lifelong affliction, causing irreparable harm to that person's entire being. Grounded in Sigmund Freud's trauma theory, this research probes the hidden themes and profound impacts of child sexual abuse, illuminating the darkest recesses of human suffering. By studying the long-term effects of this heinous act, the study aims to raise awareness, spark action, and bring hope to those whose lives have been scarred by sexual abuse in their childhood. The researchers conducted a detailed analysis of how the novel depicts the devastating impact of (oral) sexual abuse on a child's personality and development. Through close reading of the text, the study reveals the ways in which child sexual abuse can lead to long-term psychological trauma, emotional distress, and distorted self-perception. The research provides insight into the destructive effects of child sexual abuse on a child's formative years, highlighting the need for increased awareness and support for survivors of such abuse.