NCJ Number
243150
Date Published
2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter identifies and discusses components necessary for the successful treatment of "sexually reactive" children 12 years old and under, and treatment activities are suggested.
Abstract
The term "sexually reactive" is used to label the sexual behaviors of children, typically under the age of 12 years old, who have been sexually abused, have been exposed to sexual activity, or have lived in highly sexualized environments. The sexual abuse of these children can consist of hands-on offenses, in which there was direct contact between the abuser and the child, as well as no-contact offenses, such as showing pornography to the child. This chapter focuses on problematic sexual behavior as a response to traumatic experiences and/or living in a sexualized environment. This treatment protocol is most appropriate for children in Groups II and III of the continuum of sexual behaviors. Children in Group II have difficulty integrating sexual experience into their normal development due to being sexually abused or overly exposed to sexual stimuli. Although these children develop sexual behavior problems, they do not generally seek out other children to coerce into sexual play; they tend to respond positively to redirection. Group III consists of children who have participated in the full range of adult sexual behaviors, typically with children of the same age. The description of the treatment process includes consideration of the pre-treatment assessment and "stabilization" phases. Stabilization" refers to efforts to develop "stable" families that are highly motivated to participate in and support the child's treatment. The chapter's section on treatment briefly describes four treatment modalities, followed by an outline of treatment goals and activities. Both children and parents are taught the rules and behaviors that respect "boundaries" for touching and physical contact with others and with themselves. 34 references