The lifelong impact of child abuse: Moving forward with healing

As a therapist, I have spent many years supporting individuals through a wide range of traumas, but today, the sentencing of Huw Edwards has resurfaced a particularly painful wound for countless victims of child abuse. 

Listening to survivors call into radio programs this morning has brought me to tears, not only because of their stories but because of the raw, visceral pain that echoes decades later…. 30, 40, even 50 years down the line.

The anguish in their voices reminded me that the trauma of abuse does not simply fade with time. For so many, it remains a lifelong companion, a shadow that hangs over every moment, every relationship, every attempt to find peace. 

Abuse at any age, but particularly in childhood, has the potential to shape a person’s entire life, dictating how they view themselves, how they relate to others and how they understand the world around them.

The lingering questions

One of the most devastating effects of child abuse is the enduring sense of shame and self-blame that follows survivors for years, often well into adulthood. The haunting questions "Was it my fault?", "Why me?", "What did I do to deserve this?" this becomes the cruel inner dialogue that plays on repeat in their minds.

The shame is paralysing. For many, it isn’t just about the horrendous abuse itself, but about the reactions (or lack thereof) from those around them. Did people know and look the other way? Did they believe the abuser over the child? Was the abuse dismissed as something less significant than it truly was? These layers of betrayal and isolation compound the trauma, making it even harder for survivors to reach out and seek the help they so desperately need.

A lifetime of impact

The impact of child abuse does not stop at adulthood. Many victims carry the psychological and emotional weight well into their later years, affecting their physical health, personal relationships, career success and overall quality of life. The abuse can manifest in a range of symptoms: depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, self-harm and more.

Even after decades, victims continue to struggle with deep-seated feelings of worthlessness, shame and fear. This can lead to strained or broken relationships with loved ones, difficulty trusting others and challenges in parenting or forming intimate partnerships. The effects are far-reaching, often impacting not only the survivor but their children and grandchildren as well.

Moving forward: Healing and support

While the pain of child abuse is enduring, healing is possible. It’s essential that we, as a society, offer safe spaces for survivors to be heard, believed and supported without judgment. But the journey of healing is deeply personal and every survivor must move at their own pace.

In the UK, there are numerous avenues for those affected by child abuse to seek help and support:

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): NAPAC offers a range of services for adult survivors of all forms of childhood abuse, including a confidential helpline and support groups.

Survivors UK: Specialising in support for male and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse, this organisation provides therapeutic services, workshops and an online helpline.

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children): While NSPCC focuses on children, it also provides advice and assistance for adults concerned about child abuse.

The Samaritans: Available 24/7, Samaritans offer confidential emotional support for anyone in distress, including those affected by childhood trauma.

Mind UK: For survivors grappling with the mental health impacts of their trauma, Mind offers a wide range of resources and services to help manage depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

It is crucial for survivors to know that they are not alone and that help is available. For many, simply reaching out to these organisations can be the first step toward reclaiming their lives from the shadow of abuse.

Therapeutic approaches to healing

In therapy, we work with survivors to break the cycle of shame and self-blame. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-informed therapies have been effective in helping individuals process their experiences, reshape their narratives and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

But more than techniques or theories, what matters most is that survivors feel seen and heard. They need to be reassured that the abuse was never their fault, that their pain is valid and that they have the right to heal, no matter how much time has passed.

A call for compassion

As we reflect on the Huw Edwards case and others like it, we must remember the real, human cost of abuse. It is not just a news story or a court decision; it is a lifelong burden carried by victims and their families.

If you are a survivor of child abuse or know someone who is, please know that it is never too late to seek help. Healing is possible and there is no shame in asking for support.

A message to survivors

To the survivors who are reading this: I want you to know that your pain is real, your story matters and you are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault and you deserved none of it. 

The courage it takes to carry such a heavy burden, to live through the darkest moments of your life is extraordinary. 

You are strong and you are worthy of healing. If today all you can do is take one small step, even if it's simply acknowledging your pain, know that this too is a victory. There is hope for healing and while the road may be long, there are people who will walk it with you. You deserve love, safety and a life free from shame. 

Please, reach out - because your voice matters, and there is a community ready to support you in your healing journey.