Child sexual abuse: A critical review of intervention and treatment modalities

Child sexual abuse is a commonly encountered and often emotionally damaging experience, maintained by secrecy and followed by denial after disclosure. Treatment in this field involves both the child and the family in a variety of treatment settings and modalities, often proceeding in parallel. Child developmental considerations dictate that treatment often proceeds in phases. It aims to protect the child from further abuse and the consequences of disclosure, and address the trauma and context of the abuse. Careful planning and co-operation is required by the many professionals working in this stressful area in order to avoid confusion, conflicts, and splits which may mirror relationships in the family. The heterogeneity of the problem is reflected in the fact that treatment cannot be offered in a uniform programme. Legal issues may influence the treatment process. Evaluation of treatment modalities, the identification of protective factors and achieving long-term adjustment in the least detrimental manner offer challenges in this newly developing field.

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The Frequency of False Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse: A Critical Review

Journal of Child Sexual Abuse ◽

10.1080/10538712.2018.1477224 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 459-475 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

William O’Donohue ◽

Caroline Cummings ◽

Brendan Willis

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Child Sexual Abuse ◽

Critical Review ◽

False Allegations

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Treatment Modalities for the Younger Child Sexual Abuse

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services ◽

10.3928/0279-3695-19860701-07 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 24 (7) ◽

pp. 21-24

Author(s):

Sharon Federation

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Child Sexual Abuse ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Younger Child

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Child Sexual Abuse I: Psychopathology

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1046/j.1440-1614.2000.00642.x ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 34 (1) ◽

pp. 85-91 ◽

Cited By ~ 38

Author(s):

Barry Nurcombe

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Child Sexual Abuse ◽

Critical Review ◽

Scientific Literature ◽

Theoretical Models ◽

Transactional Model ◽

Review Of Literature ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Adult Outcome ◽

Methodological Problems

Objective: To review scientific literature concerning the prevalence, childhood outcome and adult outcome of child sexual abuse, and the hypothetical models that have been postulated to explain its psychopathology. Method: Selective critical review of literature. Results: Estimates of prevalence of sexual abuse suggest that a significant number of children of both sexes are affected. Research into the psychopathology of sexual abuse is hindered by methodological problems. However, sexual abuse has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders and maladaptive lifestyles in childhood and adulthood. Several theoretical models of the psychopathology of child sexual abuse are examined and compared. Conclusions: A transactional model is the most comprehensive and encompassing.

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