NCJ Number
128880
Date Published
1990
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the Abuse Recovery Model, originally conceived at the Program in Human Sexuality at the University of Minnesota's Medical School and Department of Family Practice and Community Health which involves coed group therapy over the short term for adults who were victims of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
The chapter first reviews the literature regarding the impact of sexual abuse on both male and female victims and then provides an overview of current intervention theories and treatment intervention guidelines and models. The Abuse Recovery Model is then described as an ongoing, time-limited (12 weeks) 2-hour session format with 6 to 8 members (both males and females) and a male-female therapist team. The male-female group composition is used to reduce the overgeneralization of sex roles and victim/victimizer stereotypes. Group members have opportunities to empathize with opposite-sex survivors, practice boundary setting, and challenge their own stereotypes. Opposite-sex therapists model appropriate and compassionate male-female behavior, which is intended to challenge the clients' views of both sexes and their capacity to relate to them. The groups using this model have been effective in helping clients work through intrusive abuse material, connect with emotional content, clarify the impact of the abuse, and make behavioral changes. 5 tables and 51 references