NCJ Number
117506
Date Published
Unknown
Length
32 pages
Annotation
After describing the services of Childhelp USA, this booklet reviews some of the psychological and physical handicaps of adult survivors of childhood abuse and notes some of the considerations relevant to effective help.
Abstract
The Survivors of Childhood Abuse Program is a resource for survivors, their loved ones, professionals, self-help groups, and the general public. Program objectives include research, treatment, training, consultation and public education, development of a national network of professionals and technical resources, and advocacy on behalf of survivors. "Survivors" encompass not only those victimized in dysfunctional families but also those who have experienced satanic/ritualistic acts, rape, and violent assault. After outlining interpersonal violence statistics for the United States, the booklet summarizes the psychological/personal dynamics of survivors of interpersonal violence. An outline of the general psychological dynamics for survivors of childhood trauma focuses on adults molested as children, survivors of childhood abuse, and adult children of alcoholics. A separate list of symptoms is provided for sexual abuse survivors. Coping patterns of adult children of alcoholics are considered as are differences between the reactions of males and females to abuse. A separate section covers developmental disabilities associated with abuse. Professional service providers are guided in helping various ethnic-minority survivors of abuse. Agency and book resource listings.