NCJ Number
190742
Date Published
2001
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article reviews literature on relationships involving adults who experienced child sexual abuse and suggests that male partners of females who experienced child sexual abuse may become vicariously traumatized in their long-term relationships with these women.
Abstract
The analysis draws parallels to the symptomatology of posttraumatic stress disorder and the process of transmission. It theorizes that highly conflictual home environments may be sufficient to cause distressing psychological and behavioral changes in family members. Male partners in these relationships suffer damaged self-esteem, powerlessness, isolation, and dissatisfying sexual relationships similar to other sufferers of posttraumatic stress disorder. The possibility of retraumatization has several implications for counseling. Therapists need to be fully cognizant of the etiology and manifestations of both sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder to recognize dual-trauma couples when they come for treatment. The first task of the therapist should be containment of the highly emotional reactive process that has probably been spinning out of control. Therefore, the first tasks should be solutions to concrete household problems. In addition, education provides containment and a forum for understanding previously inexplicable behavior and feelings. The other essential primary task is for both members to become aware of the harm their emotional drama is causing the children and should receive a reminder to establish the children’s welfare as the priority in their future interactions. Both members of the dyad should also have their own therapists or groups, at least initially. The couple should receive encouragement to engage in conjoint sessions after self-esteem has improved and a support system has developed. Therapists should be aware of the process of vicarious traumatization and alert for symptoms in themselves. 36 references (Author abstract modified)