Abstract:
This research concentrates on the development of an intervention model for the sexually abused latency aged child. The focus is on short term, structured individual therapy. The importance of this model is linked to the underlying theoretical basis that it provides as well as the guidelines suggested for therapy. Intervention research was used as research methodology. This methodology implies a combined quantitative and qualitative approach. The first part (Chapters 2, 3&4) addresses the problem analysis and information gathering linked to the development of a theoretical basis for the intervention model. The latency years as developmental stage is discussed and suggestions are made as to which this information can be used during the planning and conducting of intervention. The reasons for the child’s vulnerability to become a sexual abuse victim are explained. The different forms of sexual abuse are indicated and it is argued that one child can be abused by another. The social environments where sexual abuse might occur are described as well as the possible consequences that sexual abuse holds for the victim. The second part of this research (Chapters 5&6) is related to the design of the intervention model, the conducting of a pilot test and the refining of the intervention. The key elements of abused focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and movement therapy is outlined. These approaches serve as theoretical background for the formulation of the principles of the intervention model. The areas of focus during intervention are described. In Chapter 7 an outline of the intervention program is described. This programme can be viewed as a practical application of the intervention model. A detailed description of every therapy session is provided. The intervention program was tested on three children from the Jakaranda Children’s Home in Pretoria. Chapter 8 indicates the results of the empirical research as well as the interpretation thereof. The focus of this chapter is on the results as referring to the changes in the respondent’s experience of compliance, relationships, security and anxiety. The research results clearly shows that the three respondents were helped by the intervention and that they were no longer overwhelmed by their experience of the sexual abuse. The study is concluded in Chapter 8 with some remarks in summary and proposals for further research.
