Group Treatment of Sexually Abused Latency-Age Girls

Abstract

Little has been written regarding specific techniques useful with sexually abused girls between the ages of 8 and 12 despite reports that school-age children are particularly prone to post-abuse psychopathology. This paper describes a pilot group developed to address the traumagenic stigmatization, powerlessness, betrayal, and sexualization that characterize victims of sexual abuse (Finkelhor & Browne). Six treatment modules developed within this framework focused on the following: (a) group cohesiveness, (b) discussion of specific abuse experiences, (c) new coping strategies, (d) sexuality, (e) prevention of future victimization, and (f) termination. The therapeutic approach incorporated art therapy techniques, psychodrama, therapeutic games, relaxation exercises, and novel treatment strategies developed by the authors.