SYSTEM INTERVENTION TRAUMA TO CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS FOLLOWING DISCLOSURE

This study attempts to discover if further traumatization occurs to se xually abused children through societal system interventions. The Trau magenic Model, developed by David Finkelhor, which explains the dynami cs of trauma in child sexual abuse, was employed as the theoretical fr amework to understand how societal system interventions can produce or reinforce the previous trauma from sexual abuse. Ninety sexually abus ed children ages 9 to 19 were selected from three counties that have c ontrasting societal system interventions. The results of the study ind icated that the number of interviews children experienced and a trusti ng relationship with a professional were statistically significant pre dictors of trauma scores. Other major system interventions, testifying and removal of the child from the home, were not statistically correl ated to trauma scores. The majority of the children found the system a positive support in assisting them with the stress of the interventio n and personal loss.