[Evaluation of a group intervention using a feminist approach for women experiencing sexual abuse].
OBJECTIVE
The present study evaluates a group intervention using a feminist approach for women experiencing sexual abuse in childhood or adulthood in order to measure changes associated with participation in a group intervention and verifies whether effects are maintained over time. The present study relates effects of the group intervention in terms of psychological distress, depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms and feelings of guilt and helplessness.


METHODS
The sample consists of 26 women participating in a group intervention offered by sexual assault centers in Quebec (CALACS - Centre d'aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel).


RESULTS
Results show significant differences between pretest and post-test scores obtained one week following the end of the group intervention and gains are maintained at follow-up 3 months later.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that participation in the group intervention is associated with a reduction of psychological distress, depression symptoms, post-traumatic stress symptoms and feelings of guilt and helplessness in adult women reporting sexual abuse.
Bergeron
Manon
M
Département de sexologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, C.P. 8888 Succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3C 3P8.
Hébert
Martine
M
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011792:Quebec; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology*