Practitioners’ Understanding Of Sociological And Medical Models Of Mental Illness When Working With Ethnic Minority Victims/Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Abstract

Being unaware of the pros and cons of a sociological versus medical approach to the treatment of mental illness as a result of child sexual abuse (CSA) risks abuse of gendered power in the clinical setting and disengagement from ethnic minority clients who already traverse steep barriers to help-seeking. To address this, an education/training program was developed, delivered, and evaluated in Australia over six months using mixed-methods (T1 n=112, T2 n=44). At T1 and T2, hardly any participants thought a sociological approach – which squarely names sexism – was not useful or effective. However, they were mostly social workers and counsellors, and therefore centrally aware of social justice issues. Replication with medical practitioners is required to see how findings compare. The results also speak of ethnic minority practitioners becoming feminists against highly valued traditional gender roles in collectivist cultures, and of Anglo practitioners not judging highly patriarchal societies to demonstrate respect for difference. The results contribute new and innovative data, including about practitioners’ commitment to social justice when faced with forced choice questions about it. This study provides a platform for future participatory research with victims/survivors and medicos, so patriarchy outside the clinical context is held to professional account and not repeated within it.