A review of education/support groups for adult survivors of child sexual abuse: A qualitative anaiysis

Abstract

The paper examines the views and experiences of participants in a series of Education/Support Groups for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse over a three-year period. Twelve adult survivors participated in the study through the use of semi-structured interviews to establish whether the education, support and therapeutic aspects of the programme met their needs. The experiences of adult survivors in their disclosure of child sexual abuse and in accessing appropriate help were also examined with a view to the findings contributing to the further development of services. Overall participation in group work was viewed as a positive experience and the study highlighted a number of particular aspects of the programme regarded as beneficial for adult survivors. Concerns regarding disclosure of sexual abuse and experiences of admission to psychiatric hospital were also identified. As a result of the study a number of recommendations are made in respect of certain areas of the group work programme, service delivery and staff training. This paper aims to highlight the above and contribute its findings to the further development of professional practice and service delivery for adult survivors of sexual abuse. In an attempt to be sensitive in the use of language, we have adopted the term 'survivor' to describe those who have survived this most traumatic of experiences and yet possess great strength, despite the damage that has been inflicted.