THE TREATMENT OF SEXUALLY ABUSED-CHILDREN

A model of cognitive-behavioral treatment for sexually abased children is presented. A brief review describes tbe definition, prevalence, an d effects of child sexual abase as well as the treatment outcome liter ature in this field. A treatment model is presented that includes the following therapeutic components: gradually encouraging the child to t hink and talk about Be abuse; helping child and parent cope with emoti ons surrounding the abase; helping parents better manage their child's behavior; and education regarding child sexual abuse, healthy sexuali ty, and personal safety skills. A case example is presented involving a 10-year old girl who was sexually abused by a paternal uncle. The ca se depicts how the child's symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depressio n, and anxiety were successfully treated through individual sessions w ith the child and her mother as well as joint sessions that allowed th e mother to serve as a therapeutic resource and support for her child. (C) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.