Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Reaction to State-Supported Child Abuse and Neglect

• NCJ Number: 113658
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (1988) Pages: 383-395
• Author(s): G Straker; G Moosa
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

South Africa's policy of apartheid fosters traumatic conditions that cause child abuse and neglect, causing many children and youth to suffer from and to need treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. This paper reports on a treatment program for Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome developed to serve the needs of 60 refugees from black townships.

Abstract

Many youths in South Africa's black townships have witnessed civil unrest and high levels of violence. They have been exposed to such traumatic events as witnessing death, being arrested, being beaten, being in exile, and being separated from family and friends. Treatment for these youths is made difficult by government policies and their own cultural attitudes. They have no previous experience with psychotherapy. Since entering the program, many of the youths have gone into hiding to escape the continuing violence in their communities. There is evidence that the program succeeded in providing them with some psychological relief. 56 references. (Author abstract modified)