NCJ Number
165087
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Issue: 1 Dated: (1997) Pages: 271-285
Date Published
1997
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article provides an introduction and overview of the treatment of sexually abused children of all ages, from preschoolers to adolescents, with special emphasis on the importance of developmentally linked evaluation and treatment strategies.
Abstract
Given the disturbingly high prevalence of child sexual abuse, the expertise of medical and mental health professionals in treating child sexual abuse victims is essential. Relevant issues in treating these children include the mindfulness of developmental considerations, the incorporation of a multimodal therapeutic evaluation approach, the clarification of treatment goals, the appropriate use and integration of various treatment modalities, and effective treatment termination. Treatment is discussed in terms of goals, stages from evaluation to termination, and formats and modalities, including individual psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, and hypnotherapy. Group therapy activities for sexually abused children are listed. The activities, models, and techniques described in the article apply most directly to children sexually abused by a parent or other adult family member but are generally relevant to cases of sibling and extrafamilial abuse. 25 references and 1 table