Youth Sexual Abuse: Prevalence, Assessment, and Trauma-Informed Treatment

Youth sexual abuse is a pervasive public health concern with lasting effects on development, mental health, and interpersonal functioning. Counselors are uniquely positioned to intervene through early identification, trauma-informed assessment, and evidence-based, developmentally appropriate care. By integrating clinical expertise with ethical responsibility and systemic advocacy, counselors can support healing, promote resilience, and contribute to broader efforts to prevent abuse and protect youth.