Providing sexual education to victims of child sexual abuse:what is a clinician to do?
Despite the large body of research on childhood sexual abuse, virtually no one has examined the coverage of sexual education in treatment. Agencies from across the United States that specialize in treating child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse were surveyed. The results indicate that sexual education is covered in treatment with children of all ages, with male and female clients, and in both individual and group therapy. There was a statistically significant difference in the coverage of sexual education based on clients' age, but not based on gender or treatment modality. Parents are often included in treatment; however, the amount of parental involvement varies. Published materials, such as children's books and videos, are frequently used. Participants (i.e., clinicians) are satisfied with their coverage of sexual education in treatment even though clients often experience negative reactions. Results suggest that covering sexual education in treatment helps decrease some of the negative effects of sexual abuse. This study also serves as a test of Dillman's Total Design Method of conducting mail surveys.
Rubenzahl
Samuel A
SA
Children's Services, Lewis County Community Mental Health Center, Lowville, NY 13367, USA.
Gilbert
Brenda O
BO
D000328:Adult; D001634:Bibliographies as Topic; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000379:methods*; D012736:Sex Education; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires