NCJ Number
96310
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Therapists for child victims of sexual exploitation can increase their effectiveness by assuming advocacy roles to minimize the potentially retraumatizing effects of postexploitation activities and to use those activities to expedite the child's treatment.
Abstract
Information on the therapist's roles in treatment and advocacy came from 10 cases. The therapist was usually present when the exploitation was disclosed to the parents. This invested the therapist with a needed aura of credibility and expertise and allowed the therapist to make an early diagnostic evaluation of parent or family reaction to a stress situation. Both before and during judicial proceedings involving the child victim, the therapist continued to build a treatment relationship with the child and the family. The multiple advocacy roles included initiating early clinical procedures, assessing the prosecutor's style, acting as parental liaison and interpreter of procedures, evaluating the child's ability to withstand testimony, and helping prepare the child to testify. Some families continued treatment after the court procedures were over. Fourteen endnotes are provided.