Le devenir de l’enfant victime de maltraitance sexuelle

Abstract

ObjectiveThe child sexual abuse is an area of concerns, which has to do with childcare providers, individuals, families, and society. Nevertheless, thinking the intervention regarding this matter is difficult. As any ill-treatment, the child sexual abuse is an indication of disregard for the basic needs of a child, by power abuse and breach of privacy and body integrity in this precise case. MethodStarting from sharing the experience of a specialized team and in addition in a literature review, the article suggests investigating consequences of the sexual abuse in the clinic. It approaches then the concept of early chronic stress corollary to these. The impacts appear by a cognitive, emotional and relational distortion. ResultsThe onset and the evolution of any disorder depend on the internal as well as external cancelling potential of the young person, influenced by biological, psychological, family, social and cultural factors. These protecting agents may alter the transgenerational repetition. In the contrary, when there are more of risk factors, the cycle of the ill-treatment appears through a repetition of the internal relationship patterns. DiscussionBeside the consequences of the ill-treatment on the child, the therapeutic process must carefully address the facts themselves and evaluate them in a holistic view including the different factors. At the same time, the pediatric examination enables to take care of the traumatized body. The therapeutic interventions may address the everyday life of the victim and the affective impact related to the facts. The commitment in the social network is a considerable part of shoring. The positive therapeutic experience as well as significant interpersonal relationships has a constructive and positive impact on parental abilities of an adult victim of ill-treatment as a child. ConclusionThe evolution of the experience of sexual abuse depends on a multiplicity of elements. Some of the child victims will “heal” and show a normal psychic, relational and overall functioning as long as they are not confronted with a similar situation. However, our experience leads us to put all in perspective and to think that any ill-treatment creates indubitably a breaking in the psyche of the child victim. Some of them will develop a more or less detrimental symptomatology with their development. Speaking about sexuality with the child victim requires the professional to be confident in his abilities to hear the transgressive events, a serenity in the representations of what is being said on this matter, and a capacity to respect the subjectivity of others.