DETECTING A HISTORY OF CHILDHOOD SEXUAL EXPERIENCES AMONG WOMEN SUBSTANCE-ABUSERS

This article examines a means of detecting a history of childhood sexu al experience (CSE) to improve substance abuse treatment outcomes. The symptom profile of women with a history of CSE is discussed in relati on to the difficulties it presents in detection of a history of CSE, e specially in women who also have a past or current history of substanc e abuse. A symptom checklist is described and its validity and reliabi lity are reported as satisfactory. The use of the checklist in client assessment and treatment planning is discussed.