Sexual Abuse

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes a case study of a mother and her young daughter who presented themselves for treatment, initially as a result of the daughter's alleged sexual abuse by the mother's boyfriend. It discusses how even though the daughter is the primary patient, her relationship to the larger system of which she is a part, is relevant to the case and to the course of treatment. Using Urie Bronfenbrenner's ecological model, it examines the context of the child's case, the extent to which she is at risk for future problems, the suggested course of treatment and the additional information needed to treat her and her mother effectively. It shows together with a literature review, how the case offers an interesting example of many of the kinds of issues and questions faced by professionals dealing with child guidance psycho-pathologies and family contexts.

From the Paper:

"Surrounding the mesosystem is the exosystem, the wider settings which define Carrie's life, and the macrosystem, the cultural mores that influence how she and those around her are expected to behave. Through his abuse, Jim violated those expected behaviors, and Joanna's initial refusal to believe her daughter also disengaged the little girl from the protections that the larger society is supposed to provide to the individual. However, the legal system, which is usually part of the next level in, the exosystem, has intruded into a closer circle of Carrie's life and is attempting to rectify the personal violations of those close to her. This has caused an ecological transition (Bronfenbrenner, 1979), a situation in which "a person's position in the ecological environment is altered as the result of a change in role, setting, or both" (p. 26). Although traumatic for both Carrie and her mother, this ecological transition should prove to be an important, positive step in the development of both individuals."

More papers on Sexual Abuse:

• Research Paper # 119828 : "Definition, Treatment and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse"
• Research Paper # 120411 : "Child Sexual Abuse: A Growing Global Problem"
• Term Paper # 118715 : "Child Sexual Abuse"
• Term Paper # 111127 : "Sexual Abuse Cases"

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