NCJ Number
189366
Journal
Social Work Volume: 46 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2001 Pages: 136-145
Date Published
April 2001
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article analyzed the self-reports of 384 adults who responded to a survey of people abused physically, sexually, or emotionally by family members in childhood.
Abstract
The study sought respondents with ages between 25 to 55 who defined themselves as being abused in their families before age 16. The respondents differed from the general population in being mainly female, more likely than average to have been raised in foster or adoptive homes, more likely to be separated or divorced, and slightly higher in education and job status (but not income). The age range of the respondents was 19 to 80, with a mean of 38.7 years. Most survivors reported a combination of types of abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual. As a group, the respondents tended to be depressed, to have low self-esteem, and to have problems in family functioning. Of the 384 respondents, 311 reported seeking help as adults "for problems related to the abuse." The survivors typically sought help from more than one source. Of the respondents who sought help, 70 percent found at least one professional whom they rated as very helpful. The respondents reported that the professionals who were most helpful tended to listen and be empathic, deal with feelings, be nonjudgmental and understanding, be empowering, provide connections with other survivors of childhood abuse, build self-esteem, and validate the survivor's experience. Many respondents mentioned the importance of providing long-term help. The findings showed the importance of including the service user's perspective in evaluating treatment, training social workers to work with abuse survivors, and improving access to long-term help. 3 tables and 19 references