NCJ Number
137381
Journal
British Journal of Psychiatry Issue: 159 Dated: (1991) Pages: 769-782
Date Published
1991
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This review of treatment of child sexual abuse emphasizes that treatment involves both the child and the family in a variety of treatment settings and approaches, often taking place in parallel.
Abstract
Child sexual abuse is a common and often emotionally damaging experience, maintained by secrecy and followed by denial after disclosure. Child developmental considerations dictate that treatment often proceeds in phases. It aims to protect the child from further abuse and the consequences of disclosure and to address the trauma and the context of the abuse. Careful planning and cooperation are required of the many professionals working in this stressful area to avoid confusion, conflicts, and divisions that may mirror relationships in the family. The heterogeneity of the problem is reflected in the fact that treatment cannot be offered in a uniform program. Legal issues may also influence the treatment process. The evaluation of treatment modalities, the identification of protective factors, and achieving long-term adjustment in the least detrimental manner offer challenges in this newly developing field. 106 references