Sexual Abuse Treatment Research Articles

The role of helplessness in the recovery process for sexual trauma survivors.

In the present paper we illustrate, with two clinical case examples, the important role of helplessness in the recovery process for sexual trauma survivors, and its relationship to other dynamic themes. Both cases are drawn from a study of the process of recovery in incest survivors undergoing trauma-focused group psychotherapy. Data for the examples were collected by interviews structured to evaluate schema and affect change over the course of treatment, and illustrative clinical narratives are included in the presentation. (Abstract Adapted from Source: Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science, 1992. Copyright © 1992 by the Canadian Psychological Association) Adult Survivor Adult Female Adult Treatment Helplessness Sexual Assault Effects Sexual Assault Treatment Sexual Assault Victim Incest Effects Incest Treatment Incest Victim Domestic Violence Effects Domestic Violence Victim Domestic Violence Treatment Female Victim Child Abuse Effects Child Abuse Treatment Child Abuse Victim Child Female Child Sexual Abuse Effects Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Child Sexual Abuse Victim Child Victim Childhood Victimization Childhood Experience Psychological Victimization Effects Long-Term Effects Psychotherapy Group Treatment 02-02

Sexual abuse treatment for persons with developmental disabilities.

Sexual abuse treatment for persons with developmental disabilities.

Review of Vulnerable Populations, Vol. 2: Sexual Abuse Treatment for Children, Adult Survivors, Offenders, and Persons with Mental Retardation.

Review of Vulnerable Populations, Vol. 2: Sexual Abuse Treatment for Children, Adult Survivors, Offenders, and Persons with Mental Retardation.

Severe Paternal Sexual Abuse in Early Childhood and Systematic Aggression against the Family and the Institution

This report examines incest and its sequela in individuals suffering from severe chronic mental illness. Descriptive data drawn from 11 cases paints a clinical picture characterized by severe chronic psychotic symptoms and aggressive behaviour that are often precipitated by the family's rejection. In all patients, the incest for occurred over a long period of time, was violent, and was perpetrated by the male parental figure. Health care professionals need to increase their knowledge of and skills in the identification and treatment of sexual abuse.

National survey of professional practice in child sexual abuse

A sample of 276 professionals described how they spend their professional time, their attitudes and knowledge about etiology and treatment of sexual abuse. Professionals were also asked to respond to a case vignette where varied on two dimensions: age of the child victim and relationship of the offender to the victim. Agencies receiving the questionnaire were randomly assigned to one of the six possible scenario conditions resulting from the two dimensions.

Treatment Strategies for Victims of Extrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse

The literature on child sexual abuse suggests family functioning and support may be intervening variables which serve to ameliorate the long-term effects of such abuse. We advocate family therapy as effective treatment for extrafamilial child sexual abuse (especially in preschool children), and we present the essential elements of the family treatment process. Our supporting evidence is provided in the clinical evaluation and treatment of 10 children (and their families), ages 2-6 years, who reported sexual abuse in a daycare setting.

Repeated Sexual Victimization and Trauma Change During the Acute Phase of the Sexual Assault Trauma Syndrome

Victimization studies indicate that the risk of sexual assault is significant for women in America today and that sizable numbers of women are sexually assaulted more than once during their lives. This study proposed and tested alternative hypotheses about repeated sexual victimization and trauma change during the acute phase of the sexual assault trauma syndrome. Panel interview data were collected during a two-year period on 184 female victims (14 years and older) admitted to a sexual assault treatment center for initial and follow-up services. Controlling for initial trauma level and time between assessments, prior assault victims were more traumatized than first assault victims at follow-up. Prior and first assault victims had different patterns in short-term trauma change, with only the first assault victims decreasing in trauma. Prior mental health or substance abuse problems partially explained the observed effect of prior sexual assault on trauma change. Prior sexual assault, however, continued to affect trauma significantly in the condition where the repeated assault victim also had prior mental health or substance abuse problems at the time of the current assault.

Effects of statutes requiring psychiatrists to report suspected sexual abuse of children

Reporting of child sexual abuse is mandatory in all 50 states. Conceptual distinctions between privileged communications and mandatory reporting are reviewed, and the impact of recent changes in Maryland's reporting laws is examined. Beginning in 1964 Maryland law required reporting if abuse was suspected when a physician examined a child. In 1988 reporting of disclosures by adult patients about child sexual abuse that occurred while they were in treatment was mandated. In 1989 all patient disclosures, even about such abuse that occurred before treatment, became reportable. During the period of statutory changes, the Johns Hopkins Sexual Disorders Clinic had kept track of adult patients who referred themselves for treatment and adult patients' disclosures of child sexual abuse. This allowed analysis of the impact produced by changes in the reporting requirements. 1) Mandatory reporting of disclosures about prior child sexual abuse deterred undetected adult abusers from entering treatment. The rate of self-referrals when such reporting became mandatory in 1989 dropped from approximately seven per year (73 over a 10-year period) to zero. This may have caused some unidentified children to remain at risk. 2) Mandatory reporting deterred patients' disclosures about child sexual abuse that occurred during treatment. In 1988 the disclosure rate during treatment dropped from approximately 21 per year to zero. This deprived clinicians of information important for early intervention. 3) Mandatory reporting failed to increase the number of abused children identified. The number identified secondary to such disclosures was zero. Optimal protection of children, as well as treatment for adult patients, may be better accomplished by legislation that supports options other than reporting.

Treatment of sexual abuse which occurred in childhood: A review

This review is concerned with the individual and group treatment of clients who present with a history of sexual abuse in childhood. Almost all of the literature regarding the individual treatment of these clients is based on clinical reports; very little is experimentally based. Most of the reports of group treatment are of a similar nature, although some outcome research data are included. The clinical consensus, in terms of the issues, stages, goals and techniques of therapy, is described. In addition, an overview is provided of the identification of clients who may have a history of CSA, which includes guidelines for assisting disclosure. Finally, the issues raised for therapists in treating these clients are addressed. Much of the material reviewed in this article refers to the treatment of female, and in particular incestuously abused, victims; at the time of writing, very little information was available regarding the treatment of male victims.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Comment.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Comment.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Response.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Response.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Comment.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Comment.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Response.

"Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse": Response.

Intrafamilial child sexual abuse treatment: Prosecution following expulsion

IN THE DEBATE over the relative efficacies of pretrial and postadjudication diversion of intrafamilial child sexual abuse offenders (see e.g., American Bar Association, 1982; Bulkley, 1982; Burgess, Holmstrom, & McCausland, 1978; Fisse, 1984; Giarretto, 1976; MacFarlane & Bulkley, 1982), concern is expressed regarding whether the state will be successful in prosecuting defendants who fail to comply with the diversion agreement. The American Bar Association’s National Legal Resource Center for Child Advocacy and Protection surveyed prosecuting attorneys throughout the United States regarding prosecutorial practices and policies as they relate to child sexual abuse cases (American Bar Association, 198 1). Two-thirds of the responding jurisdictions report they do not utilize pretrial diversion. One of the reasons cited for nonutilization was concern over the state’s inability to go forward with prosecution in cases where the offender is terminated from treatment for noncompliance with the terms of diversion. One respondent reasoned that an offender failing in a program is probably trying to convince the victim and nonoffending spouse that he is being treated harshly or unfairly. If he successfully gains their sympathy, the child and nonoffending spouse may refuse to testify against him in subsequent criminal justice proceedings. Even without effort on the part of the offender, potential witnesses may become aligned with the abuser-ironically, because of the ability of the treatment program to bring the family closer. The possible effect again is the loss of witness testimony in efforts to resume prosecution. Also, as with any criminal case, a delay in prosecution (such as that effected by a diversion

Proposed Standards of Care for the Treatment of Adult Sex Offenders

This paper proposes standards of care for the treatment of adult sex offenders, primarily in (but not limited to) outpatient settings. A first draft was presented at the International Conference on the Treatment of Sex Offenders at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine in May 1989. A second draft was compiled at the Conference of the Association for the Behavioral Treatment of Sexual Abusers, with input from some sixty professionals. A third draft was circulated to a variety of professionals in the United States, Canada, and Europe in Fall 1989. The current draft is published in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitatino prior to formal presentation at the Second International Conference on the Treatment of Sex Offenders to be held at the University of Minnesota in September 1991. Readers are urged to communicate their reactions and comments to the authors.

Dilemmas and Demands: Working With Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Although knowledge of the incidence, psychological outcome, and treatment of childhood sexual abuse has burgeoned, information about the consequences for therapists in treating survivors is limited. This article highlights the conflicts, dilemmas, and demands that arise for social workers who provide services to women who were sexually abused as children. It offers suggestions for dealing with these prob lems and discusses the implications for professional education.

Treating adolescent sexual offenders.

Treating adolescent sexual offenders.

Comparison of Physical Child Abusers, Intrafamilial Sexual Child Abusers, and Child Neglecters

One hundred and fifty subjects, including 30 physical child abusers, 15 intrafamilial sexual child abusers, 30 child neglecters, and three matched comparison groups were compared on levels of distress, unhappiness, loneliness, rigidity, negative concept of child and self, child problems, and problems from family and others. All child maltreatment groups reported elevated levels of personal distress, unhappiness, loneliness, and rigidity. Sexual child abusers reported more positive views of their children and self and fewer problems with their children than physical child abusers and child neglecters. Sexual child abusers also reported fewer family problems than physical child abusers. Results support previous observations that child maltreatment groups overlap on a number of personal characteristics. However, compared to other maltreatment groups, sexual child abusers were found to view their children in a more positive manner and report fewer child-related problems, suggesting these characteristics may have utility in the differential screening and treatment of sexual child abusers.

Sexual Abuse Intervention: A Support Group For Parents Who Have a Sexually Abused Child

A pilot program for parents of sexually abused children is discussed with a focus on intervention at a systems level. The Parent Support group is based on an eclectic approach and the interventions at the therapeutic and educational levels are described. The evolution of the group is addressed based on the group objectives. Each of the thirteen sessions is described to illustrate the various intervention strategies. Suggestions for implementing a similar group are discussed based on the authors' experience utilizing the presented model.

Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse.

Feminist-informed family therapy for the treatment of intrafamily child sexual abuse.