NCJ Number
113942
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1988) Pages: 2-6
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
To ascertain current practices for dealing with child sexual abuse in Ireland, questionnaires were sent to County health board senior social workers and to clinical psychologists working with families at the end of 1987.
Abstract
Results indicate that in 1987, 133 cases of child sexual abuse had been reported to social workers, and 78 cases were mentioned by 9 psychologists. Of seven social workers, five indicated that victims were seen for therapeutic reasons. Treatments included individual counseling focusing on issues of trust, self-image, and self-esteem. One worker used art and play therapy, and all seven had referred victims to other agencies. Psychologists' treatments included short-term psychotherapy dealing with issues of anxiety, depression, guilt, and self-protection; group and play therapy; and cognitive and behavioral therapies. Three social workers reported that perpetrators were seen for individual counseling, and six mentioned referral to other agencies. Six psychologists reported therapeutic work with perpetrators. Five social workers and five psychologists reported working with victims' families, addressing such issues as victim protection, effects of abuse, and family reintegration. Service providers cited lack of interagency cooperation, limited resources, and specialized training as special needs in dealing with child sexual abuse. 4 references.