Interventions for Families Victimized By Child Sexual Abuse: Clinical Issues and Approaches for Child Advocacy Center-Based Services

• NCJ Number: 235098
• Journal: Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2011 Pages: 188-199
• Author(s): Poonam Tavkar; David J. Hansen
• Date Published: June 2011
• Length: 12 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

This article examines the effects on the mental health of sexually abused children and on non-offending family members.

Abstract

Child sexual abuse poses serious mental health risks, not only to child victims but also to non-offending family members. As the impact of child sexual abuse is heterogeneous, varied mental health interventions should be available in order to ensure that effective and individualized treatments are implemented. Treatment modalities for child victims and non-offending family members are identified and described. The benefits of providing on-site mental health services at Child Advocacy Centers to better triage and provide care are discussed through a description of an existing Child Advocacy Center-based treatment program. Recommendations for research and clinical practice are provided. (Published Abstract)