Akamas

DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN WORKING WITH SEXUALLY TRAUMATISED CHILDREN

Written By

Jayne Hellett

Learning Outcomes

To achieve this unit a learner must:

1. Synthesise research and theory about child sexual abuse to produce a presentation for teaching others
2. Analyse the needs of a sexually traumatised child or young person
3. Prepare a strategic plan to promote recovery for a sexually traumatised child or young person

Content and Structure

MODULE 1

Research and theory about child sexual abuse

Introduction to the subject of child sexual abuse

• The feelings triggered by those working with children who have been sexually traumatised
• The factors that might help us to manage these feelings
• The definitions of child sexual abuse and differences in acceptable and unacceptable adult behaviours with and around children and young people
• The actions and behaviours involved by the perpetrator of the abuse

Who are abusers and how do they operate?

• The incidence and prevalence of child sexual abuse including who the abusers are
• Finkelhor's four pre-conditions for child sexual abuse to occur
• The relationship of entrapment and between the abuser and the child
• The feelings of a child / young person who has been sexually abused

Theories of child sexual abuse and applying them to practice

• The theories that are used to explain why child sexual abuse occurs
• The signs and signals that may indicate sexual abuse has taken place
• The factors that may prevent adults from recognising child sexual abuse

MODULE 2

The needs of a sexually traumatised child or young person

The role of the adult in listening to children

• The dynamics around disclosure of sexual abuse and why some children do not tell adults or retract their statements
• The specific considerations for children who are disabled, for black and ethnic minority children, for unaccompanied / asylum seeking children and differences regarding gender
• The behaviours that adults and others may find difficult to manage

The messages that sexually traumatised children have received

• The child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome
• The impact of trauma and the possible triggers for children and young people

The long-term impact of child sexual abuse

• The long-term impact of child sexual abuse and the consequences for growth and development
• The notion of coping, recovery and survival

MODULE 3

Promoting recovery for a sexually traumatised child or young person

The role of protective adults for a sexually traumatised child

• Creating safety and comfort in the home, with others and in the environment
• Principles of working with sexually traumatised children

Addressing the consequences of child sexual abuse

• What children and young people need and want from adults following sexual abuse
• Building resilience
• The development of identity and self- esteem
• Building domains of security

Taking care of the carers

• The impact of traumatic stress on others around the traumatised child
• Self-care issues for those working with sexually traumatised children

This material provides a notional 30 hours of learning.

Level: 4

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