Assessment Interview for Young Male Victims (From The Sexually Abused Male: Prevalence, Impact, and Treatment, V 1, P 241-247, 1990, Mic Hunter, ed. -- See NCJ-128859)

• NCJ Number: 128869
• Author(s): P N Gerber
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Lexington Books
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter describes a format for interviewing young male sexual abuse victims.

Abstract

The intake interview should yield a complete and detailed history of the victim; otherwise, treatment planning cannot be comprehensive. Boys who are sexually abused often experience a confusing mix of emotions and thought about their experiences. Initially, they may not perceive the sexual events as abusive. There may be a reluctance to express any feelings about what happened or how they feel toward the abuser. The interviewing clinician must be sensitive to the client's perceptions, psychological vulnerabilities, and resistance. A safe structure that facilitates the sharing of his experiences by a pace-lead methodology will be most helpful. The interviewer should explain to the client what is going to happen in the interview, indicate that questions will relate to the alleged sexual incident, and inform the client that he has the choice as to how much information he provides. The interviewer should remain flexible within a structured interview format, depending on client reactions. At the termination of the interview, the clinician should acknowledge any difficulties and praise the client for openness and courage. For the appended interview questionnaire, see NCJ-128870.