A family- and community-based health-promotion group for sexually abused children

Though precise data that describe incidence & prevalence rates of childhood sexual abuse are lacking, health professionals concur that abused children are at a greater risk for physical & emotional disorders & the development of ineffective coping strategies (drug & alcohol abuse, depression, truancy, & suicide) that will have long-term effects on society. The "traumagenic dynamics" of childhood sexual abuse are outlined, & four models of crisis intervention that form the bases of current community-based sexual abuse programs are reviewed. A brief (eight-week), thematic group intervention, in its early stages of implementation, is described that is designed to offer inexpensive supportive intervention & educational health promotion to groups of eight sexually abused children aged 8-12; a parental support group is also planned. The conceptual & theoretical underpinnings of the program are examined, & the content, process, format, & goals of group sessions are outlined. Implications for research & practice with this population are explored. 22 References. K. Hyatt