Repressed Memory Therapy Helps Victims (From America's Victims: Opposing Viewpoints, P 116-122, 1996, David Bender, Bruno Leone, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-165502)

• NCJ Number: 165514
• Author(s): R Wallen
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 7 pages
• Sale Source: Greenhaven Press
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Opposing Viewpoints Series

Annotation

Experts estimate that between 10 percent and 38 percent of girls are sexual abuse victims, and healing from the effects of such abuse requires recovering memories that have been repressed and denied.

Abstract

Accusations of false sexual abuse claims have dominated the news, and the backlash against recovered memory therapy has minimized the problem of child sexual abuse. Much of the media coverage questioning the accuracy of memories about sexual abuse has been fueled by conferences and press releases sponsored by the False Memory Syndrome Foundation. The problem of sexual abuse is rampant, and children are especially vulnerable to abuse because they are often used to satisfy the narcissistic needs of their parents. Incest victims have mastered the techniques of disassociation, secrecy, and denial. Honesty has been replaced by fear and distrust, and the constant struggle to repel pain extends beyond the abusive trauma to all direct experiences. While many people are quick to dismiss the testimonials of sexual abuse victims as a passing fad, these victims should not choose the powerlessness of self-doubt and victimhood.