Identification and Treatment of Child and Adolescent Male Victims of Sexual Abuse (From The Sexually Abused Male: Application of Treatment Strategies, V 2, P 199-224, 1990, Mic Hunter, ed. -- See NCJ-128873)

• NCJ Number: 128883
• Author(s): M L Froning; S B Mayman
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: Lexington Books
• Publication Type: Training (Aid/Material)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses symptoms of child and adolescent sexual abuse among boys and how various symptoms can be treated.

Abstract

Cultural taboos for men inhibit boys (particularly those between ages 12 and 17) from either identifying themselves as sexually abused or disclosing their abusive experiences. Failing to acknowledge the abuse and diverting psychic energy to keeping the abuse secret can have serious consequences for the emotional development of boys. They tend to reassert their masculine identity, felt to be diminished in the abuse, in inappropriate ways, often stimulating violent and delinquent behaviors. More than females, they tend to deny their victim status and identify with their abuser, which often leads to the transition from victim to perpetrator of sexual abuse. The nature of and the treatment for the following symptoms of sexual abuse are discussed: homophobic concerns, sexual acting out, other acting-out behaviors, anger, self-destructive behaviors, body concerns, powerlessness, shame, fear and anxiety, and sadness and loss. Countertransference and transference as elements of treatment are also discussed. 28 references and 7-item bibliography