Objective:: This study assessed links between reported childhood sexual abuse and a range of eating behaviors and attitudes, among a large sample of eating-disordered women. It tested the hypothesis that there will be links to bulimic behaviors and body dissatisfaction, rather than restriction. Method:: The sample consisted of 299 women, meeting diagnostic criteria for a range of eating disorders. Each was assessed by structured interview for a reported history of sexual abuse, and completed the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire. Results:: There was no significant association between prevalence of reported childhood sexual abuse and diagnostic group, but there was a significant association between reported abuse and the presence of a diagnosis involving purging behaviors. A reported history of sexual abuse was associated with bingeing, purging behavior and body dissatisfaction. However, it was not associated with non-purging compensatory methods or with restrictive attitudes. Conclusions:: These findings increase the specificity of the hypothesized relationship between sexual abuse and the eating disorders, showing a stronger link with bingeing and purging behaviors and body dissatisfaction than with restrictive characteristics. Treatment for such cases might need to address the consequences of the reported sexual abuse, rather than simply attempting to change the eating attitudes and behaviors in isolation.