Sexual abuse of children is a frightening problem which is shockingly seen often. At first it may seem as if the victims of childhood sexual abuse are beyond being able to be helped. However the University of Bristol reported, a significant new study has showed the vital importance of getting help for victims of childhood sexual abuse.
Although the sexual abuse of kids has been an issue which has gained a great deal of attention the primary concerns have focused on how to protect children and the identification of perpetrators of child abuse. It has been the hope of the authors of a new study by the Universities of Bristol and Durham for the NSPCC to refocus attention in dealing with this tragic issue on what can actually be done to effectively help the victims of sexual abuse in childhood.
In this study the delivery of Letting the Future In was evaluated. Letting the Future In is an NSPCC designed program in which social work professionals deliver therapeutic support to kids between the ages of four and 17 who have been sexually abused. Creative therapies such as painting, drawing and storytelling are used in Letting the Future In. The children who have been sexually abused are given a chance to express themselves creatively. The goal is to help the children move on in life after their terrible experience.
John Carpenter, the lead author of the study and Professor of Social Work and Applied Social Science at the University of Bristol, has pointed out that child sexual abuse is an international problem of enormous proportions. In the United Kingdom alone one in 20 kids have been sexually abused. The effects of this abuse in childhood and adulthood can be serious and include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, disturbed sexual behavior and suicide.
There was evidence of promising change in a significant number of children who stayed in the service for over a year with much less distress being seen. Overall kids who stayed in this program seemed to exhibit improved mood, more self confidence, less guilt and self-blame, less depression, anxiety and anger, improved sleep patterns, and a better understanding of appropriate sexual behavior. It seems that it would be a good investment in the future of sexually abused children to develop Letting the Future In further.
