The Sexual Victimization

The sexual victimization that Aileen Wurounos experienced as a child was an enormous factor in what led to her criminal career. Not only did she suffer initial reactions from her sexual victimization, she also experienced long-term effects, resulting in her killing many men.

Early responses to child sexual abuse include “anxiety, depression, fear, anger, hostility and inappropriate sexual behaviors.” According to our text, many victims become very sexual as a result of their own victimization. They have “learned that their most important asset is to service others sexually.” Because of her victimization Aileen had a distorted concept of her self and her self-worth.

As a teen, Aileen would make a habit of showing neighborhood boys her breasts in exchange for money. “Adult survivors of child sexual abuse report depression, self-destruction, anxiety, isolation, stigma, negative feelings about men, fear and mistrust.” Adult survivors often abuse drugs and alcohol as well as experience sexual dysfunction. Evidence proves that children who experience sexual victimization have a high rate of rape re-victimization. The book cites reasons for re-victimization as “low rates of self-esteem and high rates of chemical dependency.” After meeting Selby, Aileen wanted to make something of herself, so she and Selby could be together. Aileen tried to find a job. She wanted to support herself