Child sexual abuse research paper

Child sexual abuse research paper

Group Therapy for Sexually Abused Children

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Sexual abuse is one of the most perplexing and confusing problems facing families. Those that should be protecting their children are either the perpetrator or oblivious to the fact that their child is being sexually abused. So what should be done? The number of families affected by sexual abuse is heart breaking. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2012, 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 5 boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18 years of age. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education (Swan, 1998).Treatment of child sexual abuse is a complex process; however, research suggests  that group therapy for abused children is effective however the impact of group therapy for sexually abused children requires more research; therefore, this paper will further explore the research on sexual abuse among children, the signs and symptoms of sexually abused children, the nature of therapy with children who have been sexually abused, the aspects a counselor should consider when working with sexually abused children and most importantly the benefits of group therapy for those who have suffered from sexual abuse.

Group Therapy for Sexually Abused Children

No one really wants to talk about it. No one wants to hear about; in fact, many pretend as if it doesn’t exists- even if it is taking place in their very own home. They wear blinders when it is very clear what is going on. Most people do not want to believe that it is usually a close relative or a close friend, but the truth is loved ones can destroy and interrupt homes to the point that it is unbearable and those who do know it exists pretends it does not and only hope it will stop eventually and as a result, the victim suffers faces their demons alone and for eternity. A reader may ask, “What is this author talking about?” What is she hinting to?” The answer is child sexual abuse.  The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (2012) gives a clear definition of sexual abuse. It describes sexual abuse asany sexual contact between an adult and a child defined as touching with the intention of sexually arousing the child; for example, kissing, or fondling in a sexual or prolonged manner, oral genital contact, sexual intercourse or manual stimulation.  Furthermore, any behavior that is intended to stimulate the child sexually, or to sexually stimulate the abuser through the use of the child, including showing the child erotic materials like pornographic films or magazines, taking still shots of the child in a sexual manner or talking sexually to the child (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2012).

Sexual abuse is one of the most perplexing and confusing problems facing families. Those that should be protecting their children are either the perpetrator or oblivious to the fact that their child is being sexually abused. So what should be done? The number of families affected by sexual abuse is heart breaking. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, 2012, 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 5 boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18 years of age. Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education (Swan, 1998). Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of these children are abused by someone they know; for example; as previously mentioned, a family member, a close friend, a member of clergy, or a youth leader. Overall, it is typically someone they know and trust (Swan, 1998). Most would agree that child sexual abuse is a painful and traumatic event that has torn families apart. However, therapy for families who have been impacted by sexual abuse can help them heal from the pain and find the pieces to help them re-build their lives and most importantly, help them create coping skills to assure no further abuse will ever happen in their families again, and hopefully for generations to come (Swan, 1998).

Treatment of child sexual abuse is a complex process; however, research suggests  that group therapy for abused children is effective however the impact of group therapy for sexually abused children requires more research; therefore, this paper will further explore the research on sexual abuse among children, the signs and symptoms of sexually abused children, the nature of therapy with children who have been sexually abused, the aspects a counselor should consider when working with sexually abused children and most importantly the benefits of group therapy for those who have suffered from sexual abuse.

Sexual Abuse among Children:

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2011), child abuse has been reported up to 80, 000 times per year, but the numbers of unreported instances are far greater because the children are afraid to tell what happened.  Many may question, who is vulnerable to child sexual abuse? All children are vulnerable to sexual abuse but there are some risk factors that make some children more vulnerable than others; for example, the age of the child, the socioeconomic status of the child, and the relationship to the offender. The most vulnerable age for a victim is preschool children (Brenna, 2006). Preschoolers are more in need of supervision, especially when dealing with daily activities such as bathing and changing clothes; these activities open the door to sexual abuse by the caregivers, relatives, babysitters, and other individuals who come into contact with these children.Low socioeconomic status is another factor that contributes to the vulnerability of children (American humane association, 2002). In other words, low socioeconomic status is correlated with other variables such as single parenthood, lower education, parental stress and depression, and marital conflict.Lastly, the relationship the child has to the offender also plays a role in the vulnerability of a child (Ramono&Rayleen, 1996). Abuse usually occurs over a long period of time and there is a close relationship between the victim and the offender (Ramano&Rayleen, 1996). Moreover, the perpetrator usually targets their victim for months and “grooms” the victim to gain their trust. As previously mentioned, the victim is typically victimized by someone they know and trust and unfortunately because of the nature of their relationship, this prohibits the child from speaking out. In some cases, sexual abuse is routine and expected from the child. In other words, the child is unaware that he or she is being abused because of the trust they have in the abuser.

A child five years or older who knows and cares for the abuser becomes trapped between affection or loyalty for the person and If the child tries to break away from the sexual relationship, the abuser may threaten the child with violence or loss of love. When sexual abuse occurs within the family, the child may fear the anger of the other family members, or be afraid the family will break up if the secret is told (Child abuse prevention, 2010).No child is psychologically prepared to cope with repeated sexual stimulation. Even a two or three year old, who does not understand the damage that is being inflicted upon them, will develop problems resulting from the inability to cope with the overstimulation (Brenna, 2006).

Nancy Swan (1998) states, “A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a feeling of worthl…………………………

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