Quick Scoop

A **CSA survivor** is a person who survived **childhood sexual abuse**. “CSA” stands for **child sexual abuse** , and the phrase is commonly used to describe someone who experienced sexual abuse as a child and is now living as an adult survivor.

What it means

• It refers to someone harmed by sexual abuse during childhood.

• The word survivor is often used to emphasize resilience, healing, and the person’s ongoing life beyond the abuse.

• Many survivors experience long-term effects such as trauma, shame, trust issues, or difficulty feeling safe, though experiences vary widely.

Why the term matters

People often use **survivor** instead of only **victim** because it can feel more empowering and affirming. Support organizations also use the term to recognize the lasting impact of abuse while centering healing and recovery.

If this is personal

If you mean this in relation to yourself or someone close to you, it may help to speak with a trusted professional or a sexual assault support service. If you want, I can also explain:

• the difference between victim and survivor ,
• common signs of CSA trauma,
• or how to support a CSA survivor.