NCJ Number
187514
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: 2000 Pages: 1-19
Editor(s)
Robert Geffner Ph.D.
Date Published
2000
Length
19 pages
Annotation
In this case study, a pre-adolescent female survivor of incest received treatment that integrated relational and trauma theory perspectives in focusing on reducing self-blame, preventing further isolation, creating a safe environment, and helping the patient develop positive connections with others and feelings of self-competence.
Abstract
The girl was 11 years old when her grandmother brought her to treatment. Although she initially reported her father had sex with her, over the course of treatment it became clear the abuse consisted of him fondling her vaginal area and making her rub his penis on several occasions. The girl's grandmother brought her to treatment with the hope that the parents would follow. The girl came from a poor home environment in which the father's alcoholism prevented him from maintaining a job. In addition, the father was physically abusive to his wife and the other children. A systemic approach to treating the girl was employed to work with the family, the school, and social service agencies. This multi-method treatment facilitated the change and maintenance of an improved environment for the girl, an environment essential for psychological and interpersonal change to occur. Treatment interventions included such techniques as behavior modification, parent guidance, and insight-oriented individual psychotherapy. The combined use of relational and trauma theories facilitated the resumption of normal developmental growth for the girl. The relational approach facilitated the development of relationships with primary adults in the girl's life, including the grandmother, aunt, teachers, and therapist. Trauma theory guided the understanding of the effects of sexual abuse and abandonment on the girl's internal world. While the actual sexual abuse was not as severe as reported in many other cases, the most significant trauma for the girl was the way in which her family responded to the sexual abuse. Abandonment and loss of the immediate family confirmed the girl's sense of badness and contributed to her traumatic reactions. Over the course of the treatment, psychological, interpersonal, and developmental improvements in the girl were clearly demonstrated. 23 references